Following three years with the New England Patriots, quarterback Mac Jones will begin a new path as the likely backup quarterback to Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones was traded to the Jaguars earlier this week following a career-worst season with New England, resulting in his benching midway through the season.
Despite a promising rookie season where Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs, dysfunction became the norm in New England with poor coaching staff decisions, lackluster offensive personnel and Jones’ inability to take care of the football.
Although it wasn’t the result that either side had hoped for after Jones was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he still took the time to thank the organization for the first three years of his career in a statement released to social media Thursday night.
RELATED: Former Alabama QB Mac Jones traded to hometown Jacksonville Jaguars
“The last three seasons with the New England Patriots are years I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Jones said. “I will always be grateful for my time in New England and for the opportunity to start my career in the NFL.
“To Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make my dream of playing in the NFL come true. To Coach Belichick and all the coaches and support staff who helped me each and every day, including training, equipment, strength, video staff, and everyone in between, thank you for all that you did to help prepare me over the years. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
“To my teammates, it was an honor to play alongside you these last three years and I will cherish the friendships that we built.
“And finally, thank you to the fans for always showing up and supporting me and the Patriots. It has been a blessing to be a part of the Patriots organization and I will always have love for the New England community.
“With that being said, I am thrilled to go home and to get to work in DUUUUVAL! Thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars organization for the opportunity. Let’s Go!”
Thank you, New England! pic.twitter.com/3jRygcRDcS
— Mac Jones (@MacJones_10) March 15, 2024
In 42 career starts, Jones has passed for 8,918 yards, 46 touchdowns, 36 interceptions while completing 66.1% of his passes. He was also named as a Pro Bowl alternate during the 2021 season when he led the Patriots to a 10-7 record.
Even if he should sit the entirety of the 2024 campaign, Jones will likely become a free agent following the year where he could receive another crack at a starting job after a season of rehabilitation.
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