Patriots trade Mac Jones to Jaguars, per reports

The Patriots are reportedly finalizing a trade to send Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Trade: Patriots are finalizing a deal to send QB Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources tell ESPN. The trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins Wednesday and he passes a physical. The two sides were discussing a 6th-round pick, per sources.

Jones was… pic.twitter.com/dOceAGDDTm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024

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The two sides were working this morning to finalize the 6th-round pick for Mac Jones. https://t.co/e5kYsn6IMl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024

The QB threw for 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 36.7 quarterback rating last season while being benched for Bailey Zappe.

Jones, drafted with the 15th pick in 2021, threw for 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in his career with the Patriots.

NBC Sports Boston's Phill Perry says it makes sense to trade Jones now as free agents would fill backup QB spots.

Wondered if the Patriots might wait until draft weekend to deal Mac Jones. Makes sense to do this now, though. Backup slots will be filled by free agents next week. Better chance of finding a taker now before those chairs get filled. https://t.co/jmtWo4wsVq
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) March 10, 2024

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Backups Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke are the only other quarterbacks on the Patriots' roster entering free agency, which begins Monday with the legal tampering period. New England could look at add a veteran signal-caller or draft a rookie QB with the No. 3 overall pick in April.

With confirmed trade of Mac Jones to Jacksonville, the Patriots QB room is Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke. A case to keep Jones could be made. He was AT LEAST insurance. But “fresh start” argument wins out. Jones’ legacy is a cautionary tale. Don’t skimp on QB development.
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) March 10, 2024