Mac Jones wasn’t taken aback by the trade that relocated him from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, Jones had foreseen it. Jones recently revealed that he and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways before the team traded him to the Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
This transaction concluded his three-year tenure with the Patriots, a period marked by various highs and lows.
“We both concluded that parting ways amicably was the best course of action,” Jones stated from Jacksonville this week, as reported by the Boston Herald. “For me, it was about transitioning and returning home, which I’m incredibly excited about. As for them, it’s about moving forward and embracing new opportunities. So, that’s the decision we arrived at, and I believe it’s the right one.”
Although reportedly four teams expressed interest, the Jaguars were the sole team to extend an offer to the Patriots for the former top-15 draft pick, according to insights from CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.
Selected 15th in the 2021 draft, Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season, aiding the Patriots in securing their sole playoff berth in the post-Tom Brady era. However, Jones and the Patriots experienced regression in the subsequent two years, culminating in Jones being sidelined during the latter half of the 2023 season after posting a 2-9 record as the team’s starter.
Jones departs New England with an 18-25 starting record, including postseason games, along with 46 touchdowns, 36 interceptions, and a completion rate of 66.1%. His next venture sees him reviving his career as Trevor Lawrence’s understudy in Jacksonville.
This trade further solidifies the Patriots’ intentions to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft. Speculation has linked New England to LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, ranked as CBS Sports’ second-best quarterback prospect behind USC’s Caleb Williams.
The Jaguars have made a notable upgrade to their backup quarterback position by acquiring Jones, and they did so without sacrificing much. Jones, a Jacksonville native, brings enthusiasm to the role and is eager to contribute. Although he prefers a starting role, he seems prepared to embrace his new responsibilities with the Jaguars. Additionally, he looks forward to supporting Lawrence both on and off the field.
“Having played and started numerous games, I understand how things can unfold. My aim is to help steer things in the right direction,” Jones remarked. “I believe I can do that here, and the coaching staff has outlined how I can contribute to the team and learn from Trevor and others in the organization.”
