5 Patriots Leaving New England in the New Year

The 2023 NFL season has been one of the most forgettable in New England Patriots franchise history. While the team occasionally showed promise here and there throughout the campaign, the Patriots will now miss the playoffs for the third time in four seasons — their first time doing so since between 1999 and 2002.

The New Year is right around the corner and a lot has to change if the Patriots want to return to prominence in 2024. An overhaul is needed if New England wants to avoid a similar fate, meaning several Pats are likely on their way out over the next few months.

With that in mind, here are five Patriots who are likely leaving New England in 2024.

5 Patriots Most Likely Gone in 2024

1. Mac Jones, QB

There's little reason to believe that Mac Jones will be with the Patriots once the 2024 NFL season rolls around. 

The former 2021 15th-overall selection made it clear this season that he isn't an everyday starting quarterback. After an underwhelming 2022 campaign, Jones' play isn't much better this season, leading the Patriots to a 2-9 record in 11 starts while throwing for 2,210 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. 

Additionally, Jones' 3.5% interception percentage and 77.0 passer ratings are both the worst marks of his three-year career. That's without mentioning how his play has been so awful that he's been benched twice and even lost the starting QB job to Bailey Zappe. 

With the Patriots on pace to make a top-five selection at the 2024 NFL Draft, the writing is on the wall for Jones. New England will likely have the opportunity to draft a QB prospect like USC's Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye, who both have higher ceilings than its current options under center. 

In other words, there's a good chance that Jones will be traded this offseason. Not only could he use a fresh start, but the Patriots can also save over $2.1 million by trading him, per Spotrac, meaning a deal could be best for both sides.