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The New England Patriots officially traded Mac Jones on Thursday.
New England announced the move, sending the quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 draft pick. Shortly after, the team posted a stirringly heartfelt tribute to Jones on social media.
“Thank you, Mac,” the post read.
Maybe Jones would have gotten a few more words if his Patriots tenure ended on a better note.
A year after losing Tom Brady, the Patriots selected Jones with the No. 15 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Alabama star showed promise as a rookie, registering 22 passing touchdowns and a 92.5 quarterback rating.
However, that proved the highlight of his three years in Foxborough.
Jones regressed in 2022 and continued to backslide last season. He posted a 77.0 quarterback rating with 2,120 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 11 games.
Bill Belichick benched Jones three times in October and November, only to revert to the 25-year-old each time. However, a dismal Week 12 performance was the last straw.
Jones completed 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards and two picks in a 10-7 loss to the New York Giants. It was the last time he’d play for the Patriots, who closed the season with Bailey Zappe under center.
New England signed veteran Jacoby Brissett this week, but the organization could also draft a new quarterback for Jerod Mayo with the No. 3 pick.
Meanwhile, Jones goes to Jacksonville to back up Trevor Lawrence. The Florida native has one year remaining on his rookie contract.
“We kind of just decided the mutual parting of ways was the best decision for both of us,” Jones told reporters Thursday, per WEEI’s Mike Kadlick. “And for me, it was just about moving on and getting back home. I can’t be more excited.”