3 Patriots on the Chopping Block Next after J.C. Jackson Release
By Ryan Bunton
1. Mac Jones
The former first-rounder's future in New England is bleak after a season in which he was pulled in four separate games, before Bill Belichick finally pulled the plug and moved forward with Bailey Zappe as the team's starting signal caller for the final six games.
The Patriots hold the third overall selection in next month's NFL Draft, and taking a quarterback with that pick is the anticipated course of action. More specifically, the possibility of New England selecting LSU dual-threat sensation and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at third overall has "gained steam" over the past week.
Still on his rookie contract, Jones has a fifth-year team option for 2025, which Mark Daniels reported that the Patriots will not exercise. Subsequently, Jones is slated to become a free agent following the 2024 season. If he is moved via trade, Jones' value on the trade market would likely be a fifth-round pick, per Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.
New England will presumably select a quarterback with their third overall pick, are apparently targeting a veteran bridge quarterback, and Bailey Zappe is still on the roster. Heck, the Patriots are even bringing back Nathan Rourke to their quarterback room. No matter which way you slice it, Mac Jones doesn't fit into the team's future at the quarterback position.
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