Cam Newton? Lamar Jackson? Ranking Patriots’ top 5 QB options amid Mac Jones trade rumors
Is the Mac Jones era in New England already coming to an end? Rumors have circled around all offseason that the Patriots were shopping the third-year quarterback and former Offensive Rookie of the Year.
ProFootballTalk writer Mike Florio all but confirmed the news Tuesday morning as he said that sources close to him said the team is actively trading him.
According to Florio, he listed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders as potential suitors.
The Patriots reportedly have shopped Mac Jones this offseason with four teams viewed as potential destinations. wp.me/pch2rN-72qb
The Patriots are reportedly upset with Jones contacting Alabama asking for guidance on how to run the Pats' offense. This upset head coach Bill Belichick as well as his screaming and shouting during the season.
With rumors heating up about Jones potentially being traded, the Patriots will have a tough task in finding his replacement.
Here are five quarterbacks that the Patriots could replace Jones with in 2023.
#1 - Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson may be the best option to replace Mac Jones. The former MVP wants to be traded out of Baltimore, and the Patriots have been linked to him.
There have been rumors of Jackson wanting to join the team, with owner Robert Kraft saying it would be coach Belichick's decision.
#Patriots owner Robert Kraft was told that Lamar Jackson wanted to sign with the #Patriots, by rapper Meek Mill.
Kraft answered him that would be Bill Belichick’s decision (@AlbertBreer) https://t.co/oZM2gzRRsz
New England will have to work out a trade with the Ravens for Jackson as he was placed on a non-exclusive tag.
If Jackson joins New England, they could compete for the highly competitive AFC East, as he would be a major boost to their offense.
#2 - Cam Newton
Cam Newton sat out all of last season. He most recently played for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and was the Patriots' starting QB for the 2020 season following Tom Brady's departure. He went 7-8 as the team's starter as he accounted for 3,200 total yards and 20 touchdowns on the season.
Newton is looking to make an NFL comeback this season as he announced the news on his Twitter last month.
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Could the Patriots phone a familiar face in Newton if they move on from Jones?
#3 - Bailey Zappe
One option that the Patriots can go into with replacing Jones is in the house with Bailey Zappe.
The second-year quarterback played a few games last season and went 2-0 as the starter in Jones' absence. He completed 70.7 percent of passes for 781 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in four total games played, including two starts.
Coach Belichick said after the season that he isn't committed to Jones or Zappe as the starter for the 2023 season. In the scenario of the team trading Jones, they would likely go after another QB. But Zappe could be a dark horse as he showed glimpses of potential at QB last season.
#4 - Hendon Hooker
The Pats currently hold the 14th overall pick in the draft. They could be in a prime position to select Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Hooker is one of the most talented quarterbacks in this draft class but a torn ACL late last season made his stock go down. He's been getting a lot of buzz to be a first-round selection as many teams love his potential and film.
He went 9-2 as a starter last season and has thrown for 6,000 yards and 58 touchdowns in the last two seasons.
#5 - Will Levis
Will Levis is more likely to go into the first round than Hendon Hooker.
Levis is projected to be selected as early as pick number four, or he could slide into the second round. Depending on how the top 10 picks play out, New England could have the opportunity to bring home the New England native by drafting him.
Levis had two good seasons the last two years at the University of Kentucky. He threw for over 5,200 yards and 43 touchdowns while rushing for over 11 touchdowns.