New England Patriots: Three big changes we can see in the next year

New England Patriots: Three big changes we can see in the next year
2. Mac Jones is no longer the franchise QB, Patriots draft or trade for someone

The next big thing we could see in the next year is Mac Jones not being viewed as the long-term answer for the New England Patriots at QB. In this case, the team likely takes one in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft or even looks to the trade market to see if there is something there.

Jones looked every part of a franchise quarterback during his rookie season in 2021 and helped guide the Pats to 10 wins and a berth in the Wild Card round. Much was made about Jones breaking out in 2022 and perhaps turning into a top passer in the NFL, but that didn't happen.

Mac Jones left us with more questions than answers in 2022 and now faces perhaps the biggest year of his football career in 2023. If Jones doesn't improve, or only shows marginal improvement, the Pats might not want to waste more time with him and might want to move on.

I've said it numerous times on this website; I think Mac Jones can turn into someone like Kirk Cousins at best. He can be an efficient passer and a starting QB in the NFL but generally needs a lot around him to perhaps become a playoff quarterback.