The Tom Brady era in the New England Patriots team came to an end when the quarterback started a new journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots selected Mac Jones with the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NFL draft to see another golden dynasty in the signal-caller’s hand.
However, Jones couldn’t live up to the expectations under the leadership of Bill Belichick. The Belichick era with the Pats came to an end weeks ago, and the QB’s tenure with the team is also going to end soon as a trade is on the way.
Patriots are completing the trade of Mac Jones to the Jaguars
The Patriots were looking to trade Mac Jones after the 2023 season. They are now indeed finalizing a trade to send the quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal is pending until the start of the new NFL year and the successful completion of a physical examination.
Four teams were initially in contention for Jones, but the Jaguars emerged with the most promising offer, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. The negotiations are centered around a potential 6th-round pick.
This move will provide the Jaguars with a hometown advantage as Jones was born in Jacksonville and played high school football at The Bolles School. Jones wanted to remain with the Patriots, but he is now set to join the Jaguars as a backup to Trevor Lawrence.
Meanwhile, questions arise about the Patriots’ quarterback depth. Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke are the only remaining quarterbacks on the roster entering free agency. Jerod Mayo can either pursue a veteran signal-caller or potentially draft a rookie with their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming April draft.
How was QB Mac Jones’ NCAA career?
Mac Jones had a prolific NCAA career during his time at the University of Alabama. The quarterback redshirted his freshman year before setting off on subsequent impactful seasons.
The signal-caller made appearances in 14 of the Crimson Tide’s 15 games in 2018, gradually gaining experience. His moment came in the 2019 season when he assumed the starting quarterback role following Tua Tagovailoa’s unfortunate injury. Jones proved his talent by concluding the season with 1,503 passing yards, 14 touchdowns along with three interceptions in 11 games.
With Tagovailoa heading to the NFL in 2020, Jones seized the opportunity and became Alabama’s starting quarterback. The 2020 season proved to be a turning point for Jones as he delivered an outstanding performance. He amassed 4,500 passing yards along with an impressive 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.
The young star also set new NCAA season records with a 203.1 passer rating and a 77.4 completion percentage. He received prestigious awards such as the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Manning and Davey O’Brien Awards. Although he finished third in the Heisman Trophy race, his impact on the field was undeniable.
Mac Jones will be preparing to start a new chapter in his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
