Former 1st round pick QB Mac Jones has just been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 6th round pick per Ian Rapaport. The trade will become official on Wednesday which is the beginning of the new NFL year.
The Patriots received trade inquiries this whole week from teams interested on acquiring the former 15th overall pick, and it didn't take long for a deal to come together. Rapoport indicated that four teams were in the mix for Jones until Sunday's turn of events.
This marks the conclusion of a very disappointing three-year stint for Jones as the Patriots' starting quarterback, succeeding taking over for Cam Newton and following in the massive footsteps of Tom Brady.
The start did look promising though as Jones led the patriots back to the playoffs as a rookie where he threw for 3800 yards and 22 touchdowns while also making the pro bowl.
In his second season, Jones experienced a regression, causing the Patriots to bring in Bill O'Brien, his former coach at the University of Alabama, where they had previously won a national championship together. However, Jones' play in 2023, lead not only to his benching but also a complete overhaul in New England. This overhaul was marked by the mutual departure of future hall of fame head coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons. Ultimately, Jones finished his tenure with the Patriots with an 18-24 record, with his rookie season standing as his career highs.
For Jones, joining the Jaguars will be seen as a homecoming, as he was born and played high school ball in Jacksonville before attending Alabama. This fresh start appears to be an ideal outcome for both him and New England, especially with the new league year commencing on March 13.
It seems as Jones will serve as Trevor Lawrence's backup with the Jaguars, although veteran C.J. Beathard, who has held that role for the past three seasons, remains under contract through the 2024 season.
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