3 most likely trade destinations for Patriots' Mac Jones
It appears the Mac Jones era could be coming to an end in New England
All things eventually come to an end. On Super Bowl Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network wrote that Mac Jones is expected to play elsewhere next season.
"Even though Bill Belichick is gone, former first-round pick Mac Jones -- who lost the starting role and ended up third string by the end of the 2023 season -- is a trade candidate in the coming weeks and most likely will end up elsewhere for the 2024 season."
With that being said, where could Mac Jones end up next season?
1. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings need a starting quarterback, with Kirk Cousins hitting the free agency market. At 35 years old, Cousins is unlikely to receive a big contract or even a contract at all, considering he's coming off of a torn Achilles tendon. Jones has the potential to play similarly to Cousins, so it could be a smooth transition for both Minnesota and Mac Jones.
Minnesota is also a hot destination because of Justin Jefferson. Jefferson made Kirk Cousins a better quarterback. If Jones ends up in Minnesota and has Jefferson to throw the ball to, maybe, just maybe, Jones can return to the form of dominance he had during his rookie season.
2. Denver Broncos
The worst secret in the NFL is that the Denver Broncos are done with Russell Wilson. That leaves Jarrett Stidham as the starting quarterback. Why not have two former Patriots quarterbacks? Jones could enter a healthy quarterback competition with Stidham and won't have the pressure right away of being a starting quarterback.
The Broncos (and any team) won't have to give up much for Jones. Realistically, Jones is worth a late-round pick, so perhaps any team that trades for Jones will have to give up a sixth and seventh-round pick.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons' current quarterback depth chart includes Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, and Logan Woodside. This is arguably the worst quarterback room in the NFL. Even though Mac Jones isn't the best quarterback, he does improve the Falcons' chances of winning the NFC South.
Atlanta has a young receiving corps as well that Jones would inherit. Jones also has a chance to succeed with a young running back in Bijan Robinson. This would be a win-win trade for the Patriots, Falcons and Mac Jones.
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