5 Most Likely Mac Jones Replacements for Patriots Next Season

5. Malik Cunningham

Malik Cunningham is a long-shot, but he may well get a shot to make his case for the starting role this season.

His potential opportunity is going to depend on how long the Patriots stick with Mac in 2023, but if he hits the bench soon then just about anything is on the table.

Once the playoffs are clearly out of reach, the primary concern will be figuring out what to do in the future. Initially, that will mean giving Bailey Zappe a long, hard look to figure out if he should be the guy in 2024. But if it becomes clear that Zappe isn't the franchise quarterback? Then there's little reason not to give Cunningham a shot.

Even if you don't think he's going to be the answer, what's the downside of figuring out what you have in the rookie? A couple extra losses, which end up giving you a better draft pick? That wouldn't exactly be the end of the world.

Cunningham is probably not the long-term answer at quarterback, but when a season goes as disastrously as this one has so far you really don't have the luxury to not explore every possible avenue.

In the meantime, it's going to be hard to back these Patriots. Whether it's Bailey Zappe or more Mac Jones under center, the Pats won't be favorites very often moving forward. But you'll get $200 guaranteed just for betting $5 on them at DraftKings Sportsbook — so it's not the end of the road for wagering on your favorite team. That guaranteed $200 bonus pays out instantly, meaning it automatically hits your account before you even find out if your bet won or lost, so you don't need to sweat the result of the game. Unlock your $200 before it expires by signing up through the exclusive Chowder and Champions link below!

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