New England Patriots drop major draft hint with trade decision

The New England Patriots are set to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars when the new league year begins on Wednesday. 

According to the NFL Network, the Jags will ship their sixth-round selection in next month’s draft (number 192 overall) to the Patriots in exchange for the 25-year-old, who was a first-round pick in 2021.

After two-and-a-half seasons as the Pats’ starting quarterback, Jones was benched during Week 12 in 2023, as he failed to meet expectations after being selected with the 15th overall pick three years ago.

The 25-year-old will end his time in New England with an 18-24 record as a starter, as he failed to build on a promising rookie season. 

Jones will now compete for the backup job in Jacksonville behind Trevor Lawrence, who was the first overall selection in the 2021 draft. 

The Patriots, under new head coach Jerod Mayo, now enter the new league year with a hole to fill under centre and the number three overall draft pick.

Unless the Pats look to make a big free agency signing or trade this week, they appear set to draft a new QB next month. 

With Caleb Williams expected to be heading to the Chicago Bears as the first overall selection, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels appear likely to be the next two quarterbacks drafted, with the Washington Commanders at number two also in the market for a new QB.

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