The New England Patriots have a massive decision to make this offseason when it comes to the quarterback position.
They hold the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, and with several quarterbacks expected to be off the board early, this could be their best chance to find a franchise-level quarterback for new head coach Jerod Mayo.
The Patriots have reportedly begun to assess the trade market for their current quarterback Mac Jones, and they’re looking to see if teams around the league are interested.
The front office may be ready to move on from Jones, but his teammates aren’t totally convinced that a new quarterback is the answer.
One of Jones’ top wide receivers spoke up on his behalf in a recent interview.
“Honestly, man, my boy Mac, that’s my guy,” Patriots receiver JuJu Smith Schuster said while speaking to TMZ Sports this week.
“I know at the end of the day it’s whatever the coaches decide to do. But I think Mac’s still got it.”
Jones had another poor season in 2023 as the Patriots won only three games, but the blame doesn’t fall squarely on his shoulders.
He had a new offensive coordinator for the third year in a row, and the Patriots had one of the worst offenses in football from a talent and personnel standpoint.
Jones may be on a new team next year, but it’s clear that he still has the respect of his teammates in the Patriots locker room. Wherever he ends up next, he’ll try to bounce back after less-than-ideal showings in the last two seasons.