Patriots news & rumors: Mac Jones inks deal; Melvin Ingram a nice fit
It’s official, New England Patriots No. 1 draft pick Mac Jones is signed, sealed and delivered.
In quoting the lyrics to the song by the late, great Aretha Franklin, Jones’ signing now allows for No. 15 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft to now focus on trying to win the starting job from Cam Newton.
Although the announcement did take a bit of a backseat due to the requested trade of former first-round pick N’Keal Harry, it did offer some good news for Patriots fans as the four-year $15.6 million deal does come with a fifth-year option, which is pretty standard.
Now the Alabama product can put all his attention towards training camp after strong performances during both OTAs and minicamp. While Bill Belichick insists the starting QB job is Cam Newton’s to lose, it will not be a shock if Jones does win out the job.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Even if he doesn’t, the maturity and promise he has already shown will have Newton looking over his shoulder during the season. His presence will certainly have Patriots fans calling for his opportunity if the veteran quarterback struggles as he did during the latter part of the 2020 NFL season.
While rookies seldom hold out due to contract disputes, locking up Mac Jones prior to training camp starting is a great first step in what the team and fans hope is the beginning of a new chapter at the quarterback position.
NFL rumors: Patriots, Melvin Ingram would be a nice fit
There are still some pretty intriguing free agents still available who could strengthen some of the New England Patriots key position groups.
One of those players is veteran defensive end Melvin Ingram who could be one of those low-risk, high reward type signing Bill Belichick is known for.
Though Ingram played just seven games in 2020 due to a knee injury, the 32-year-old defensive end could be the perfect depth piece at defensive end. With the addition of Henry Anderson, rookie Christian Barmore and the return of Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise, the Patriots aren’t exactly desperate at the position, but Ingram in a part-time role would be a nice benefit.
Although he didn’t record a sack last season while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, he did get to the quarterback 7 times in 2018 and 2019. Both seasons he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
Another intriguing part to Ingram’s game is that he is a versatile player who could shift to outside linebacker. With Matthew Judon, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Uche, Chase Winovich and those boys rounding out a pretty solid group, it wouldn’t hurt to have another veteran presence who can get to the quarterback off the edge.
In the past, Belichick have signed veteran players like Chris Long, Mark Anderson, Andre Carter and Roman Phifer in roles specifically to get some pressure on the quarterback.
Next. New England Patriots: 1 realistic goal for each rookie in 2021. dark
Despite being on the other side of 30 and coming off a knee injury, Melvin Ingram would be a nice fit for the Patriots in that limited type of role. The only question is the money and whether or not Ingram is okay with being a situational player in Belichick’s defense.