It had become clear in the middle of the 2023 season that the Mac Jones era with the New England Patriots was reaching its end. The offense struggled, and Jones looked to have regressed each year since being a Pro Bowler in his rookie season with the team.
Frustration and a lack of recent success have led to a complete overhaul in New England, and that plan looks to include a new quarterback under center for the team come September. Jones’ time in New England may be assumedly over, and what the Patriots may get in return if they can trade him has also started to become clearer.
Patriots’ Expected Compensation for Mac Jones Trade
With the NFL Combine nearing its end, the NFL world will quickly turn its attention to free agency before the draft kicks off in April. Between now and then, teams will wheel and deal new contracts, as well as make trades with one another looking to put themselves in the best possible shape ahead of draft weekend.
With Jones assumed to be one of those pieces on the move, three front-office executives told the Boston Herald what they expect to receive in compensation for the young QB.
“Three front-office executives told the Herald quarterback Mac Jones should fetch around a fifth-round pick in trade talks with other teams. Another AFC evaluator suggested the Patriots might be lucky to land a sixth-rounder. Jones is reportedly expected to be traded this offseason, as the team plans to upgrade its quarterbacks room.”
From this quote, it looks like the Patriots are a bit more optimistic about their potential haul for their former first-round pick than some around the league are. Getting anything for a QB that everyone knows is on the way out should be considered a win, but it seems the Patriots feel like they may be able to fetch early Day 3 compensation with the move.
A Fresh Start for Jones
Things didn’t work out in New England for the former Alabama QB, and with the talk of Jones possibly being on the move, it can be viewed as a win-win for both parties involved.
Initially, Jones looked to have a promising future with the Patriots, and the team looked to have secured their next quality QB following Tom Brady’s departure. However, following turnover on the offensive staff and confusion within the walls of the franchise, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, things never quite looked right for Jones and the offense.
KEEP READING: Which Potential Landing Spots Make Sense for Mac Jones?
The Patriots have since moved on from the Bill Belichick era in hopes of finding success once again. And with Jones expected to get a fresh start, maybe he can use this parting of ways as a chance to rekindle his career.
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