The New England Patriots face a pivotal decision that could define the Jerod Mayo era. Do they move on from Mac Jones and draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick?
First-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters Wednesday that “everything is on the table.” He also said a clean slate with “no preconceived expectations” could help returning players.
Fans may still doubt Jones staying in New England as the QB1 after getting benched during his third season. Yet it’s reportedly not an open-and-shut case.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, high-ranking Patriots officials blamed Bill Belichick’s personnel decisions for “sabotaging Jones’ development and crushing his confidence.” However, not everyone supports giving the former No. 15 pick another chance.
“Some within the organization seem hopeful Jones can make a U-turn in New England,” Reiss wrote. “But that hardly seems unanimous, which means Jones would have to win over many people.”
Reiss wondered if Jones could enjoy a career renaissance like Jared Goff has with the Detroit Lions after Dan Campbell and Co. opted against drafting a new quarterback. Yet the team reporter also relayed a Patriots executive sharing the belief that they have “a long road back to respectability” without the right signal-caller.
Jones has regressed in terms of completion percentage, passing yards, yards per attempt, and quarterback rating in each of his last two seasons. He went five of 11 starts without throwing a touchdown in 2023.
New England is not expected to pick up Jones’ fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2024 season. The Patriots could keep him around for the final year of his rookie contract, even if he’s competing for a starting job in camp at best.