After his rookie season in 2021, there was a consensus that Mac Jones was the best quarterback in his draft class.
He set a rookie franchise record for the New England Patriots for passing yards (3,810) and touchdowns (22). He earned an invitation to the Pro Bowl as an alternate and led the Patriots to the playoffs at 10-7. Jones encountered frustrations on offense last year, especially with defensive mind Matt Patricia calling the plays. Some fans started calling for Bailey Zappe to be the signal-caller for New England, but much of the locker room stood behind Jones. New England returns Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator and its acquired players in free agency, but does that mean Jones is still the quarterback for the Patriots?
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Belichick is not committed to the University of Alabama alum as his starter.
According to NBC Sports in Boston, Belichick told reporters “everyone has a chance to play and we’ll play the best player” in answering a question on whether Jones is the starter for the Patriots.
QUESTION: “Is it fair to say Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe will be competing for the starting QB job?” pic.twitter.com/UER3Z0AQbo
— NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) March 27, 2023
Belichick’s non-committal answer opens the door to whether he will trade Jones for Lamar Jackson.
New England wants to return to its glory days with Tom Brady, and though Jackson is not a dropback passer, he brings so much explosiveness and creativity to New England’s offense. Jackson would also give O’Brien a dual-threat quarterback as he had in two years at the University of Alabama with Bryce Young. We will see how Belichick goes about his moves, but he does not appear to be committed to Jones. Jackson has requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens and wants out.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
