Maybe Mac Jones does have a future with the New England Patriots after all. At least, that’s what Colin Cowherd wants us to believe.
On Wednesday’s edition of The Herd, Cowherd made the case that maybe the Patriots could give Jones one last chance and try to build around him rather than getting rid of him immediately. He pointed out that Jones did play well as a rookie and that there might be something to salvage with the right supporting cast.
“I’m not so sure,” Cowherd said. “I have no problem trading down once or twice. Getting a tight end. Getting a receiver. Getting a left tackle. Getting a more long-term sustainable running back. I have no problem with that and giving Mac Jones, with a competent offensive coordinator, a year.”
“You can all bang on Mac Jones. Go back to year one. This was pre-Belichick holding a grudge against him. He had a top-10 run game in New England and a good offensive coordinator. I’ll show you some highlights from that year. He made the Pro Bowl. He was actually pretty good.
“I don’t think that’s a terrible idea. Move down, give Mac Jones one year with a competent (offensive coordinator). This team is not a quick rebuild… What’s better? Giving Mac Jones legitimate pieces or getting Drake Maye with an empty cupboard?”
It might not be such a terrible idea if not for the fact that it’s a completely new coaching staff and people at the top making decisions. While they might be willing to retain Jones as a backup for one season, the new general manager, head coach and offensive coordinator are more likely going to want their guy as opposed to Bill Belichick’s guy.
While we have seen plenty of other teams give a young quarterback who’s shown flashes extra chances in spite of a regime change before, they don’t happen often.
And it seems highly unlikely that it happens this time.