Mac Jones landing spots: 3 NFL teams that should punt on Patriots QB
Mac Jones burst onto the scene during his rookie 2021 NFL season with the New England Patriots. He put together a strong rookie campaign, finishing in second place in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and leading the Patriots to the NFL Playoffs.
Jones understandably entered the 2022 NFL season with high expectations, but severely failed to meet them. He regressed in just about every statistical passing category, while the Patriots missed out on another trip to the postseason. His struggles have created rumors that he could potentially be traded during the 2023 NFL offseason as Bill Belichick explores alternative options at the position.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The #Patriots have shopped QB Mac Jones to multiple teams in the 2023 offseason, a source tells Mike Florio. https://t.co/vRovkJCbRX
The Patriots have reportedly been shopping Mac Jones during the 2023 NFL offseason. They have allegedly been making calls to several teams to gage their interest in making a trade for the young quarterback. If he is in fact traded ahead of the 2023 NFL season, here are three potential landing spots that make the most sense.
#1 Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have moved on from Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke during the 2023 NFL free agency period. This leaves unproven youngster Sam Howell as their projected starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 NFL season.
It's unclear how the Commanders feel about Howell as their future franchise quarterback. Mac Jones was a much higher-rated prospect coming out of college, so he could be viewed as a potential upgrade. The franchise has struggled to find stability at the most important position in the NFL, but maybe Jones could be their long-awaited answer.
#2 Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders released Derek Carr during the 2023 NFL free agency period and instead signed Jimmy Garoppolo to replace him. Despite adding a veteran quarterback, many reports have indicated that the Raiders are still interested in potentially selecting a quarterback in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Rather than using a draft pick on a developmental quarterback, the Raiders could potentially pivot to Mac Jones. He could initially learn while backing up Garoppolo and also serve as an insurance policy for the often-injured veteran. Head coach Josh McDaniels also served as Mac Jones' offensive coordinator for his rookie season, so the duo have had some proven success together.
#3 Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams suffered through a disastrous 2022 NFL season after winning a Super Bowl ring the year before. This resulted in them entering a bit of a rebuilding phase, moving on from superstars Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey, among others, during the 2023 NFL offseason.
Complicating the Rams' 2023 outlook is Matthew Stafford. He has reportedly been unable to fully recover from a spinal injury, putting his future in serious jeopardy. The Rams have also allegedly shopped Stafford in the trade market. With all the looming changes, they may be looking for a fresh start at quarterback. Mac Jones could be an option for them as they look towards the future.