The New England Patriots‘ 2023-2024 season did not go as planned, finishing with one of the worst records in the NFL at 4-13. A big reason for their lack of success was inconsistency at the quarterback position.
Part of those inconsistencies came from starting QB Mac Jones, who was benched. With the Patriots reportedly not picking up his fifth-year option, what could be next for Jones?
What Does the Future Hold for Mac Jones?
Jones was drafted No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was coming off a season at Alabama in which he was a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC.
New England drafted Jones to replace Tom Brady. However, after three seasons and 42 games, it looks like the Patriots could soon be moving in a different direction.
With the Patriots, Jones has passed for 8,918 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. With him at the helm, New England has gone 18-24.
The 2023 season was Jones’ worst. He played just 11 games, passing for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He was benched during the Patriots’ 10-6 loss to the New York Giants in favor of Bailey Zappe and did not start again for the rest of the season.
According to Mark Daniels of Masslive.com, the Patriots are planning to not exercise Jones’ fifth-year option. The option, valued at just under $22 million according to Over the Cap, would extend Jones’ rookie contract one season. If New England goes through with not accepting it, he would be an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season.
Although Jones would be under contract for one more year, it’s likely the Patriots could look to trade him prior to the 2024 season as a whole.
New England holds the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, where they could select a new quarterback. Some options in the draft include Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., and more.
“We’re going to draft the best player for a position that is very important,” said new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo. While that seems like it could be quarterback, New England has needs at a plethora of positions.
There are five teams, including the Patriots, that will likely be in the QB market this offseason — Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders. Other teams could also look toward Jones as a backup option.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Jones would be owed a $2,785,412 base salary with a nearly $5 million cap hit. If New England is unable to find a trade suitor, they would likely just hold onto Jones for one more year before letting him walk in free agency.
MORE: New Patriots HC Jerod Mayo Says Free Agent Talent Coming to New England
After opening Jan. 8, the deadline for the Patriots to make an official decision on Jones and the option is May 2. Additionally, the new league year starts March 13 and will allow teams to sign free agents and engage in trades once again.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
