Speaking candidly about his time with the New England Patriots, Mac Jones, the new quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, stated he wouldn’t change a thing.
The Patriots decided to send Jones to Jacksonville in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick last Sunday.
After searching for possible trade partners for the previous first-round choice, the Patriots quickly reached an agreement with the Jaguars, who had to defeat three other clubs to acquire Jones.
Jones is now eager for a new beginning following a difficult two seasons in Foxborough. He finished with a 2-9 record in 2023 after throwing for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Coach Bill Belichick benched him in favor of Bailey Zappe in Week 12.
The 25-year-old, who was selected with the 15th overall choice in the 2021 NFL Draft, had a fantastic rookie campaign, throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns while assisting the Pats in making the playoffs and being selected for the Pro Bowl.
Jones will now have competition from Trevor Lawrence, the previous first-overall pick, for the position of backup in Jacksonville. In the same year that Jones was chosen by the Pats as the 15th pick, Lawrence was selected first.
In Foxborough, Jones amassed 8,918 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions during his tenure with the Patriots. Of particular note was his stellar rookie campaign, which won him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Speaking on his past, he said, “Many amazing learning opportunities. learned from one of the best head coaches of all time, who was undoubtedly one of the best. I had the good fortune to work with numerous excellent head coaches and gained a lot of knowledge. played numerous games. began numerous games.”
“Clearly, events unfolded as they did. Restoring the train to its rails was my aim. Here, I believe I can pull it off.
Jones will face off against seasoned player C. J. Beathard for Lawrence’s backup spot. Beathard, who signed a two-year, $4.5 million (£3.5 million) contract before the 2023 season, is in the last year of the deal. In his three seasons in Jacksonville, he has only started one game.
Things in Jacksonville might get intriguing if Jones can take Lawrence on during training camp and demonstrate that he still has what it takes to be a starter. After a very strong second season, Lawrence did not make the expected lead in year three.
The former Clemson standout has one year remaining on his rookie contract, with a basic salary of $2.785 million (£2.17 million), should the Jaguars decide against picking up his fifth-year option.
