Will Mac be back? Maybe not — if there's a Will in the way.
Trade rumors surrounding Mac Jones have bubbled up throughout the offseason, and now there may be an impetus to make a change — if the cards fall in the Patriots' way on draft night.
The Patriots recently brought Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in for a visit, certainly fueling some of the rumors that New England might be looking to move on from Jones. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer says that there's definite interest in the Patriots front office surrounding Levis, but the recent visit may be more about due diligence than it is about selecting him.
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Patriots host likely 1st-round pick, Kentucky QB Will Levis 👀@AlbertBreer @cgasper & Felger discuss whether or not the Patriots would actually consider drafting him if he fell to number 14 🗣️#NFLDraft #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/eMty5lQoOq
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) April 24, 2023
"I think there's a person or two in that building that really likes Will Levis," Breer said recently. "I think there's people in the front office that really like him. But, I don't think that means they take him. …
"I don't think they're sure on Mac Jones," Breer continued. "I don't think (Bill) Belichick's sure on him, I don't think Bill O'Brien knows right now, I don't think Matt Groh knows right now. I think there are a lot of people in that building that are unsure whether or not Mac Jones is going to be the quarterback three years from now."
MORE: Will Levis best, worst draft fits — Who presents the best landing spot for the passer?
Breer also said he himself is unsure — that is, of the Patriots ultimately taking Levis in the first round. Breer says that the visit was more so to reaffirm "what they would be passing on" in Levis, meaning, they need to be extra sure that he isn't the guy who can or will unseat Jones in 2023 and beyond.
Jones turned in a middling 2022 season, but some of that can be attributed to an offensive braintrust that comprised of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. With Patricia gone and Bill O'Brien taking the OC job again, Jones may be in for a small bit of a resurgence this upcoming season.
That, though, hasn't prevented the Patriots from doing their homework. If Levis sweats it out on draft night, Jones may start to sweat just a bit if he's there at 13.
