Patriots trade QB Mac Jones to Jaguars

Return of the Mac … to Jacksonville. Now-former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, so it shouldn’t take him long to adjust to his new digs for the 2024 season.

The Jaguars and Patriots are finalizing a trade to send Jones to Jacksonville for a late-round pick, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the trade.

The deal ends a tumultuous era of quarterback play in New England, which led to the rumors that Jones would be shipped this offseason. Jones got off to a promising start in 2021 but couldn’t quite keep the momentum going in the years that followed.

Here’s what to know about the trade:

Mac Jones trade details

USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon reports that the Jaguars are sending a late-round pick in exchange for the former first-round pick. Here’s how the trade breaks down:

⬤ Jaguars receive: Quarterback Mac Jones.

⬤ Patriots receive: Late-round draft pick.

The deal cannot be finalized until Jones takes a physical, which will occur after the new league year begins on Wednesday.

After a promising first season in New England, Jones regressed in 2022 and 2023 under the watch of offensive coordinators Matt Patricia and Bill O’Brien. Jones was also benched in a handful of games throughout his stay in New England, but head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t confirm whether or not the benchings were performance based.

Jones heads to the Jaguars to back up 2021 NFL draft classmate Trevor Lawrence, who went No. 1 overall to the Jaguars. Lawrence had a solid year in Jacksonville, throwing 21 touchdowns to 14 interceptions, helping the Jaguars to a 9-8 record and a second-place finish in the AFC South.

The deal gives the Jaguars two young, controllable passers, with a catch. While they have until May 2 to pick up Lawrence’s fifth-year option, it would be a shock if Jones has his option picked up. That would leave Jones as a free agent following the 2024 season.

With the No. 3 pick in the draft, expect the Patriots to target a quarterback. Among the potential available names are Southern Cal’s Caleb Williams.