Patriots QB Mac Jones Traded To Jaguars For Sixth-Round Pick

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The news broke on Sunday morning, but all trades cannot be finalized until March 13, the first day of the 2024 NFL league year.

The Patriots are receiving a 2024 sixth-round draft pick, No.192, in the trade involving Jones.

Jacksonville is likely trading for the heavily criticized, albeit talented Jones to have a more viable backup to starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence was hampered by numerous injuries to his shoulder, left knee and ankle in 2023, and the Jaguars collapsed down the last stretch of the regular season to miss the playoffs. Having a young but experienced backup in Jones would allow the team to have a little more insurance at the most important position in football.

For Jones, his path back to becoming a starting quarterback is now one big question mark. In 2021, he was pegged as a possible successor to Tom Brady. Now he is relegated to the bench on a completely different team. In 2023, Jones recorded 2,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in just 11 games, and failed to fend off backup Bailey Zappe from seeing the field at numerous times during the season. While the Patriots were one of the worst teams in the NFL last year, Jones did little to elevate the offense, and that most likely factored in the trade.

The Patriots meanwhile have an interesting decision to make with the third overall pick in the 2024 draft. Names such as LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. have been in the discussion of who New England will take with the pick. Whoever the team selects, expect a brand-new starter for the Patriots in 2024.