Mac Jones’ time with the New England Patriots is coming to an end.
The Pats are nearing a trade that will send the former first-round quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars once the new league year begins Wednesday, according to ESPN.
Trade discussions have involved Jacksonville dealing a sixth-round pick to acquire Jones, a Jacksonville native who would back up starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Fresh off a disappointing 4-13 season, the Patriots are expected to explore using the No. 3 overall pick in next month’s draft on a quarterback. At least one of USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels will be on the board when New England picks.
The Patriots selected Jones 15th overall in the 2021 draft, months after he led Alabama to a national championship, and made him their starter during his rookie season. The Patriots went 10-7 and made the playoffs that season with Jones, who made the Pro Bowl and finished second in offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
But the Patriots endured back-to-back losing seasons after that. They benched Jones for Bailey Zappe, a 2022 fourth-round pick, down the stretch in 2023. Jones is 18-24 as an NFL starter and has thrown 46 touchdown passes against 36 interceptions.
Trading Jones would represent the latest shakeup for a Patriots organization that parted ways with six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick this offseason and promoted longtime defensive staffer Jerod Mayo to be his replacement.
Other quarterbacks expected to be available this offseason include veterans Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, who are both impending free agents, and Justin Fields, whom the Chicago Bears could trade should they decide to draft Williams or someone else at the position at No. 1 overall.
The Denver Broncos released Russell Wilson last week, and the nine-time Pro Bowler has already begun meeting with teams, including the Giants.
