Return of the Mac … to Jacksonville.
Now-former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, so it shouldn’t take him long to adjust to his new digs for the 2024 season.
The deal ends a tumultuous era of quarterback play in New England, which led to the rumors that Jones would be shipped this offseason. Jones got off to a promising start in 2021, but couldn’t quite keep the momentum going in the years that followed.
Here’s what to know about the trade:
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Mac Jones trade details
USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon reports that the Jaguars are sending a late-round pick in exchange for the former first-round pick. Here’s how the trade breaks down:
Jaguars receive: Quarterback Mac Jones
Patriots receive: Late-round draft pick
The deal cannot be finalized until Jones takes a physical, which will occur after the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 13.
After a promising first season in New England, Jones regressed in 2022 and 2023 under the watch of offensive coordinators Matt Patricia and Bill O’Brien. Jones was also benched in a handful of games throughout his stay in New England, but Bill Belichick wouldn’t confirm whether or not the benchings were performance based.
Jones heads to the Jaguars to back up 2021 NFL Draft classmate Trevor Lawrence, who went No. 1 overall to the Jaguars. Lawrence had a solid year in Jacksonville, throwing 21 touchdowns to 14 interceptions, helping the Jaguars to a 9-8 record and a second-place finish in the AFC South.
The deal gives the Jaguars a pair of young, controllable passers, with a catch. While the Jaguars have until May 2 to pick up Lawrence’s fifth-year option, it would be a shock if Jones has his option picked up, as well. That would leave Jones as a free agent following the 2024 season.
With the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, expect the Patriots to target a quarterback. Among the potential available names are USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. New head coach Jerod Mayo should have a quality passer available at that selection to usher in a new era of Patriots football.
