Mac Jones doesn't really seem to have a long-term home with the New England Patriots. Let's talk about three new teams for Jones in 2024 that might make sense for the struggling passer. Barring an incredible and potentially historic turnaround, the New England Patriots are going to undergo a ton of change this coming offseason.
Part of that change is surely going to be at the QB spot, where both starting QB Mac Jones and backup QB Bailey Zappe are likely not at all safe. I think the best solution for both sides, especially the team, is a fresh start at the position. Mac Jones has been up and down during his NFL career and really hasn't shown all that much to indicate he can be an NFL QB.
He probably does have a bit of trade value, perhaps a late-round pick swap, and I think Jones would be wise to try to get himself on a new team in 2024 to perhaps reset his value a little bit. I do think Mac Jones is going to get an opportunity to start again in the NFL. But where?
Predicting 3 new teams for Patriots' QB Mac Jones in 2024 NFL Season
1. San Francisco 49ers
There were some rumors that the San Francisco 49ers were planning to take Mac Jones with their third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. They had given up a haul to move up to that third spot, but they ended up taking Trey Lance instead, which was the wrong move. I think Kyle Shanahan could potentially see Mac Jones as a perfect fit for his offense, which is huge on timing, anticipation, and simply getting the ball out on time.
Shanahan's offense doesn't really ask the QB to do much, and with Mac Jones' skillset, he'd work best in this type of offense. I think the 49ers could really set themselves up nicely with Brock Purdy as the starter at Mac Jones as the backup. It'd also allow Jones a decent shot at some starting action, as the 49ers have had terrible luck with QB injuries over the past few years.
2. Los Angeles Rams
I think we are seeing the end of Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles. Stafford has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions this year. He's thrown 15 touchdowns and 13 picks since 2022. He's older, gets banged up a lot, and isn't really a plus on the football field anymore. Contractually, it's nearly impossible for the Rams to get out of his contract until after the 2024 NFL season.
Even then, they'd have to eat nearly $20 million in dead money to part ways with him. Mac Jones might be the perfect backup for Sean McVay to work with and trot out as the starting quarterback once they move on from Matthew Stafford. I think Mac Jones would have to be open to being a backup for a year or two to rebuild his value a bit.
I don't think any team really views him as a viable starter at this point, but taking a backseat for a year, especially on a team with a wizard offensive mind, could really help the young QB gain his legs back.
3. Minnesota Vikings
I think the Minnesota Vikings are going to try to make a huge move for a quarterback next offseason. Kirk Cousins is a free agent and would be 36 next year. He is not their long-term answer at the position. Well, the Vikings currently hold the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is a good spot to draft a top QB prospect.
They'll need to have some type of a veteran presence as QB2, or as some friendly offseason competition, and that's where Mac Jones comes into play. Jones, I believe, can be a Kirk Cousins-type of QB at best. I think they share the same similarities as passers. Jones is also still on his rookie deal, so he's under contract through 2024 if his fifth-year option is declined, which will likely be the case.
And I think playing in a temperature-controlled dome environment might help Jones play better football. That sounds kind of cheap, but playing in a dome is surely better conditions than playing in a frigid, outdoor stadium.