New Details Emerge on Mac Jones' Final Days as a Patriot

As the NFL offseason ramps up, the New England Patriots didn't waste any time getting into the mix this past weekend. After three seasons with the franchise, the Patriots traded quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Now that Patriots fans and Jones have had over 24 hours to process the trade, details have emerged regarding the 25-year-old's final days in New England.

Patriots Rumors: Mac Jones' Final Days in New England

According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Patriots gave Jones advanced notice that they'd be trading him this offseason. Management reportedly told the former Alabama signal-caller after the NFL Draft Combine that they were going to work on a trade before asking for his preferred destination.

The Patriots allegedly took their time with the process, "shopping him all week" before linking up with the Jaguars. New England hoped to land a fifth-round pick as a potential return but there wasn't a team willing to pay that price. Instead, the Pats will receive the Jags' 2024 sixth-round pick, which is the 192nd overall selection.

Regardless of what you thought of Jones' time with the Patriots, it's great to see the team doing right by him. They could have easily traded him to anyone willing to bite, so the fact that asked where he wanted to go before sending him to his hometown Jaguars speaks volumes about the franchise.

Drafted 15th overall in 2021, Jones impressed the New England faithful with a Pro Bowl appearance as a rookie. Unfortunately, his play declined in the two following seasons. The 2023 campaign was his most disappointing performance to date as he finished with 2,120 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 77.0 passer rating while leading the Patriots to a 2-9 record in 11 starts.

With the Jones era officially ending, it's time to look to the future.

The Patriots hold the third overall selection in April's draft, giving them the perfect opportunity to draft a franchise QB. USC's Caleb Williams and LSU's Jayden Daniels are at the top of most fans' wishlists (assuming one drops to No. 3) now that New England reportedly isn't a huge fan of UNC's Drake Maye.

Hopefully, the Patriots' next QB1 provides stability under center. Since Tom Brady left the franchise in 2020, five different quarterbacks have taken snaps for New England.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Patriots are most likely to draft Daniels at No. 3 next month. Hopefully, he (or whoever winds up being drafted) works out better than Jones did in Foxboro.

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