The New England Patriots have reportedly made a decision as to whether or not they’ll pick up Mac Jones’ fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, the Patriots will not pick up Jones’ option. This isn’t a surprise considering he underperformed yet again this season.
Daniels also reported that Jones could be on the trade block this offseason. However, the Patriots won’t just get rid of him without receiving an asset in return.
“At this point, there’s a growing assumption that the Patriots will look to trade Jones this offseason,” Daniels wrote. “That plan likely hinges on the type of asset they’d receive for the young quarterback.”
Jones only has a base salary of $2.785 million for the 2024 season. That shouldn’t be a hurdle for teams interested in acquiring him.
The Patriots aren’t planning on picking up Mac Jones’ fifth year option. Will they trade him? https://t.co/55NeSe1oAf
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 30, 2024
Jones showed a lot of promise as a rookie for the Patriots, throwing for 3,801 yards and 18 touchdowns. Since then, it’s been all downhill.
Over the past two seasons, Jones has thrown just 24 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. The Patriots benched him multiple times in favor of Bailey Zappe, who isn’t expected to start for them next fall either.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo will be tasked with finding his franchise quarterback this offseason.