Patriots Rumors: 3 players to use as trade bait ahead of deadline

3. Mac Jones, QB

Finally, we come to the quarterback position. Mac Jones is indeed a former first-round pick. He is still on his rookie deal. Both of those facts are attractive. However, his play has not been. Jones has visibly struggled this year, even when things have looked fairly easy for the former Alabama standout.

Behind Jones, the Patriots have Bailey Zappe, who they could turn to for the remainder of the season and truly give him a shot. Now, Zappe likely isn't the answer either, but dealing Jones could still net the Patriots a mid-round pick if another team needed to make a move out of desperation.

On the season, Jones has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 1,208 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Just two years ago, though, Jones was a Pro Bowl quarterback after having thrown for 3,801 yards and completing over 67 percent of his passes while throwing 22 touchdowns to 13 picks.

If the Patriots do decide that Jones isn't the answer (and he's not) then they should make a move right now. Get him out of here for the highest possible pick they can land (a fourth-round selection would be just fine) and move on.