Mac Jones may be spending his final days with the New England Patriots, but he doesn’t seem to be dwelling on his uncertain future.
The Patriots are expected to try and trade Jones this offseason, as the third-year quarterback lost his starting job to Bailey Zappe midway through the year.
“Obviously I have a lot of respect for the people in this locker room, and that’s where it starts,” Jones said, via Khari Thompson of Boston.com. “I feel like I let people down with my play. A lot of that stuff is in my control and some of it is not. So, I’m going to do everything I can for my next opportunity whether that’s here and really just push forward and continue to be Mac. That’s what it’s all about. Don’t let that waver.”
In 11 starts this season, Jones threw for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 64.9 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 77. He was benched midgame four times prior to being supplanted as the starter for good in Week 13.
Jones, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was selected by New England with the 15th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 25-year-old actually got off to a decent start, totaling 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 picks while completing 67.6 percent of his throws and registering a passer rating of 92.5 during his rookie campaign. He even earned a trip to the Pro Bowl for his efforts.
However, the following year, Jones began to regress, making 14 starts and finishing with 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, completing 65.2 percent of his passes and recording an 84.8 passer rating.
His descent continued in 2023, and now, Mac Jones will almost surely find himself playing elsewhere next season.
The Pats went just 4-13 this year, marking their worst record in the Bill Belichick era. Belichick took over as head coach back in 2000.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
