The winds of change are blowing for the first-round quarterbacks of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Zach Wilson and Justin Fields are both likely trade candidates, following in the footsteps of Trey Lance, who was dealt by the 49ers last year. Could Mac Jones be on the move as well?
The Patriots are facing a pivotal offseason, one which began with Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick as head coach. The most important step for the team could be finding a franchise quarterback in April's draft.
New England holds the No. 3 overall pick, and Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are on the board. That leaves Jones' place on the roster in doubt after an ugly 2023 season.
Here are the latest news and updates on Jones' status as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches.
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Mac Jones trade rumors
The Patriots "appear open" to trading Jones, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who added that teams have been in contact with New England about the former first-rounder.
The #Patriots appear open to trading QB Mac Jones and teams have been calling them and doing work on the former starter, sources say. With a new coaching staff, a fresh start may make sense for all sides. pic.twitter.com/UQtUoKZT8m
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2024
The Patriots are targeting a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in April's draft, according to multiple reports. New England also boasts a brand new offensive staff under Mayo, and Eliot Wolf has taken control of football operations after Belichick's exit.
While Jones could serve as a backup in New England in 2024, a trade would offer a fresh start for both sides after a tumultuous three-year stretch.
Jones completed 64.9% of passes for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 11 starts in 2023. He was benched multiple times by the Patriots and finished 18-24 as a starter over his three seasons, including 2-9 last year.
Jones' passer rating declined over his tenure, dropping from 92.5 in his rookie year to 84.8 in 2022. He posted a career-low 77.0 passer rating in 2023.
Quarterbacks are at a premium in the NFL, though. And Jones' success as a rookie — he led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth — serves as proof that the Alabama product could be a viable backup at the very least. The upcoming season could prove pivotal for Jones, but it doesn't appear likely to come in Foxborough.
MORE: Jayden Daniels denies report he doesn't want to play for Patriots
Mac Jones contract
Jones is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, though any team that acquires him would be able to pick up his fifth-year option to extend the deal through 2025.
Reports early in the offseason indicated the Patriots were set to decline the option, and it doesn't seem likely a team that trades for Jones would pick it up. Jones would be owed $25.7 million if his fifth-year option was exercised, so he is almost certainly headed for free agency next offseason.
Jones is set to count $4.96 million against the salary cap in 2024. Considering teams used an average of just over two starting quarterbacks last season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a team take a flyer on Jones at that cost.
