According to Bill Belichick, Mac Jones is not certain to be the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2023. The former first-round selection may no longer have a secure roster berth.
Belichick reportedly is still furious with Jones about his choice to seek outside counsel in 2022, even though New England reportedly wants to maintain developing around the QB in front of the QB’s third season. Moreover, the coach has reportedly led the charge this summer in an attempt to move Jones, as reported by ProFootballTalk.
The 24-year-old was once a first-round pick and a Pro Bowler, but he still wouldn’t get much in return if he were traded. In case the Patriots choose to make a change at quarterback, here are three possible future destinations for Jones, as per CBS Sports.
3. Washington Commanders
Washington has settled with lackluster 2023 choices up to this point, counting on 2022 rookie Sam Howell to knock over veteran No. 2 Jacoby Brissett, despite coach Ron Rivera’s periodic complaints about their struggle to establish a reliable signal-caller.
To get a top quarterback prospect with the 16th overall pick, they’d have to make a significant leap. Since Jones would be in the team’s control for the next three years, he would provide them with some much-needed competition.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have been scouting every top quarterback prospect in the draft, despite the fact that incumbent Ryan Tannehill has been praised by many. Jones is a Patriots fan like head coach Mike Vrabel and would cost far less than Tannehill, who may still be the Week 1 starter. Since the club has already investigated Brady, it seems reasonable for them to think about who might replace him.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
After trading away Derek Carr in the offseason, Josh McDaniels restocked the Patriots’ quarterback room with Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. Due to his close links to the team’s management, Jones may not be activated until 2025, the last year of his rookie contract.
As Belichick’s director of player personnel at the time, general Dave Ziegler picked him 15th overall when Josh McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. With the seventh overall pick, the Raiders have an opportunity to make a splash at quarterback and then pivot to give McDaniels another veteran who can succeed in his system.