Following the trade of Mac Jones from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the former Alabama quarterback expressed his desire to rejuvenate his career with his new team. Jones, who began as a starter for the Patriots in the 2021 NFL season, lost his starting position with six games remaining in the 2023 season. Despite having one season left on his guaranteed contract, New England decided to move on from Jones.
Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson addressed concerns about Jones’s performance and confidence, likening his situation to a train needing to regain its momentum after a setback. Pederson emphasized the importance of building Jones’s confidence and creating an environment where he can compete without feeling pressured to be the primary contributor.
Jones will not vie for the starting quarterback position in Jacksonville, as Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the same draft that Jones was selected 15th, holds that role. Instead, Jones will serve as a backup alongside C.J. Beathard. Pederson stressed the necessity of having three capable quarterbacks on the roster to support Lawrence and ensure his health, which is paramount for the team’s success.
During his tenure with the Patriots, Jones started all 42 games he played, but his final six games in the 2023 season saw him on the sidelines as New England struggled to a 4-13 record. In his rookie year, Jones had an impressive performance, completing over 65% of his passes for 3,801 yards, leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. However, his second and third seasons saw a decline in production, accompanied by injuries and changes in coaching staff.
In his second season, Jones missed three games due to an ankle injury, and the Patriots finished with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs. The third season saw Jones throw for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Throughout his tenure, Jones worked with different offensive coordinators, including Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia, and Bill O’Brien, reflecting the organizational changes within the Patriots.
