When Mac Jones was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, people in New England thought they were getting a franchise quarterback for years to come.
Things got off to a good start in 2021, where he led the Pats to a 10-7 record, throwing for 3,801 passing yards, and 22 passing touchdowns. Those numbers helped him notch a Pro Bowl appearance.
After his hot start, things cooled down significantly. Over the last two years, he went 8-17, throwing for 5,117 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. He was also benched on multiple occasions which led to him getting traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 sixth-round pick.
It looks like the Jaguars are already making plans to move on from Jones shortly after acquiring him.
Not a huge shocker -- but the Jaguars will not be picking up the fifth-year option on former #Patriots first-round pick Mac Jones.
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) April 30, 2024
According to Mike Kadlick, the Jaguars won't pick up Jones' fifth-year option. Firstly, this isn't a surprise as they already have a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence.
Secondly, if Jacksonville picked up Jones' option, they would have to pay him $25.664 million in 2025 due to his snap counts meeting some requirements during his first three seasons.
That wouldn't have been a wise financial move as Jones hasn't shown much progress over the past two years. The Alabama product has built a reputation of being a dirty player and complainer on the sideline. He also wasn't the most loved player in the locker room with the Pats.
Jacksonville is taking a cautious approach with Jones and will allow him to hit the open market after the 2024 season.
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