Mac Jones trade rumors: What options does Bill Belichick have to replace 'out-of-favor' QB?
Reports have surfaced that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is unhappy with quarterback Mac Jones. Much of the quarterback's behavior this past season, including going outside the team to ask if his coaches were right about things, irked the legendary head coach.
As a result, Belichick has reportedly shopped Jones around. The Patriots made the playoffs in Jones' rookie season and he's still on a rookie contract. If Belichick wants him gone, there are teams who would be interested.
If he does depart, it would leave the Patriots without a quarterback. The natural outcome is for them to hand the job to backup Bailey Zappe, who looked good in relief of Jones last year.
There are other options, though. They can always try and jump into the Aaron Rodgers race and outbid the New York Jets.
Matthew Stafford is also reportedly on the trade block. Could he win another Super Bowl with Belichick in New England?
Lamar Jackson is a free agent and he's signaled that he has no intention of staying with the Baltimore Ravens.
Former Patriots starter Cam Newton is also available and showed off a healthy arm at Auburn's Pro Day.
Former Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is also available. Many of these options could simply be a strong backup for Zappe, too.
The Patriots have options, though not a great many, if they trade Mac Jones. They could also use him in a package to move up and draft a rookie quarterback if they want.
Mac Jones could sign with the Atlanta Falcons
There are about six or seven teams picking at the top portion of the NFL draft that need a quarterback with only four legitimate prospects available.
The teams that miss out on Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson could easily trade for Mac Jones.
The Atlanta Falcons are probably not going to see any of them fall to eighth overall. The Las Vegas Raiders probably won't have any luck at seventh, either.
One of those teams, probably the Falcons, could be a prime destination for the former Alabama product if Belichick decides to trade him.