The Mac Jones era has come to an end for the New England Patriots.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the team was finalizing a deal to send their former first-round pick quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars are sending back the No. 192 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft as compensation.
After a Pro Bowl rookie season, Jones’ career fell off a cliff under coach Bill Belichick. The team failed to put the necessary weapons around him to be successful, but he also struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play under center.
He threw more interceptions than touchdown passes in 2023 and was benched for backup Bailey Zappe. By the season finale, he had fallen to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Zappe and Nathan Rourke.
Jones finished the season with 2,120 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Trade: Patriots are finalizing a deal to send QB Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources tell ESPN. The trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins Wednesday and he passes a physical. The two sides were discussing a 6th-round pick, per sources.
Jones was… pic.twitter.com/dOceAGDDTm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024
The Patriots own the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft, and they’ll likely use it on a quarterback. With this trade, they recoup some compensation on an expiring contract, and Jones gets to go to Jacksonville for a year as the backup for Trevor Lawrence.
This is the fresh start both sides needed.