JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars are making a deal for a backup quarterback and it’s a name very familiar to Jacksonville fans.
According to several reports, the Jaguars are sending a sixth-round draft pick to the Patriots for Mac Jones, a former first-round selection who fell out of favor in New England. The move can’t be officially announced or made until the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m.
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The NFL Network and ESPN both reported the deal. The move could spell the end of backup C.J. Beathard’s time in Jacksonville, and gives the Jaguars a player with far more upside long term.
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For Jones, it’s a fresh start in his hometown after a forgettable ending in New England. Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs in his rookie season but slid after that. He was a first-round pick in 2021, the same season that Jacksonville selected Trevor Lawrence No. 1 overall.
Jones passed for 8,918 yards, 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in New England. He’s a career 66.1% passer. He played in all 17 games as a rookie but saw action in just 11 last year as coach Bill Belichick replaced Jones.
Jones had a decorated career at Bolles under iconic coach Corky Rogers, then signed with Alabama. He sat behind Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa until getting his chance in 2020. Jones led Alabama to the national championship and had one of the best teams in coach Nick Saban’s career.