New England sends 25-year-old signal-caller to Jacksonville in exchange for draft selection
The New England Patriots have made a significant move ahead of the NFL’s new league year, trading quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal, which sees Jones returning to his hometown, marks a fresh start for the former Patriots starter. Here are the details of the trade and what it means for both teams.
The New England Patriots have opted to part ways with quarterback Mac Jones, finalizing a trade agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move, confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, involves Jones heading to Jacksonville in exchange for a reported sixth-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, positioned at No. 192 overall.
Pending the completion of a physical examination, the transaction is set to be formally executed following the commencement of free agency at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Jones, a Jacksonville native and alumnus of The Bolles School, returns to his hometown to join the Jaguars’ roster as a backup to fellow quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This move comes after Jones amassed 42 starts for the Patriots, showcasing his talents on the field since his arrival as a national champion and decorated collegiate player from the University of Alabama.
Despite a promising rookie campaign that earned him recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate, Jones faced challenges in subsequent seasons, including changes in coaching staff and offensive personnel. His tenure in New England saw fluctuations in performance, culminating in a transition to a backup role during the latter part of the 2023 season.
Now, with a fresh opportunity in Jacksonville, Jones looks ahead to a new chapter in his NFL journey. Meanwhile, the Patriots, under the leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf, bolster their draft capital with additional selections, positioning themselves for strategic moves in April’s draft, including the potential pursuit of quarterback prospects to complement their roster.
