Mac jones is expected to play elsewhere in 2024, according to all indications. But even if the patriots do not intend to exercise the 25-year-old quarterback’s fifth-year option, jones will not officially enter free agency until the 2024 season is over.
Jones could remain on the sidelines as a backup quarterback in 2024, especially if the patriots add another quarterback via free agency or the draft. However, a clean slate for all parties may be the best option going forward.
What can the patriots realistically gain from taking jones away? This week, masslive’s karen guregian spoke with an nfl executive. “i could see a team, even if they saw him as a very good backup,” the executive told guregian. “maybe they could get a fourth-rounder, but it would depend on the time of year and the team’s situation.” even though jones is just two years away from making a pro bowl appearance as a rookie, his decline in 2022 and 2023 severely hampered his value. Jones was benched after week 12 last season, with new england rolling with bailey zappe as the team’s qb1 after jones tossed ten touchdowns and was intercepted for 12 interceptions over 11 games. a fifth-round pick is a lower return than the 49ers received in august for trading trey lance to the cowboys.
Despite the fact that lance has only played four nfl games from 2021 to 2022, san francisco was able to get a fourth-round pick in exchange for lance. The executive explained, “trey lance never had a season like mac.” “but he also had a few years of ownership over his contract, which is a big deal, so a trade might not be necessary.” an additional fifth-round pick for a patriots team in dire need of top draft picks.
Despite this, the executive told guregian that a merger between new england and jones still stands as the best option going forward. “i certainly think he’ll have a market,” he says. “his last two years have been rough,” the executive told guregian. “mayo is a new coach and everything.” But it seems that holding on to him could result in more problems.
You don’t want to start your coaching career with a disgruntled player, especially at that stage. “it’s not what you want, especially when you’re trying to create a new way of doing things, a new way of doing things there.
