Mac Jones has had his toughest season as a pro in 2023, and his future in New England is uncertain, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.
Daniels delves into what went wrong for Jones in New England. The former Alabama quarterback had a breakout rookie season in 2021, but played in just 11 games during 2023, falling to third string at the end of the season. It's no surprise that the former first-round pick has been on the move this season:
According to a source, the Patriots do not plan to pick up Jones' fifth-year option. The midfielder has a clean record with (new coach Giroud) Mayo and could remain on the roster, but the team wouldn't hesitate to move him if the right deal came through their desk.
The fifth-year club option is from Jones' entry-level deal. Teams decide on the fifth year before a player's fourth year with the club, meaning Jones could be brought back even if the club does not plan to keep him until 2025.
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Daniels' feature focuses on the breakdown of Jones' relationship with Bill Belichick. The Patriots have had a different player play in each of the past three seasons, and Jones hasn't taken well to the lack of continuity.
Per Daniels, Jones likely would not have been with the Patriots had Belichick returned for another season. With new head coach Jerrod Mayo, Jones has a clean record, but he will once again work with a new offensive coordinator as Bill O'Brien returns to college, joining the Ohio State staff.
As a rookie, Jones started all 17 games. The Patriots went 10-7 as Jones completed 67.6% of his passes for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Jones started 14 games in 2022, missing three contests due to injury. He threw for just under 3,000 yards with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 14-11. Last season, the Patriots went 2-9 in Jones' 11 starts as he posted a 10-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio and career lows in multiple passing categories, including That's 6.1 yards per attempt.
Jones is due approximately $2.8 million in 2024 on his 4-year, $15.6 million rookie deal.
