The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired quarterback Mac Jones in a trade with the New England Patriots earlier this offseason, providing some depth behind Trevor Lawrence.
Obviously, it’s a new era for Jones, who had been the Patriots’ starting quarterback for the last three years (well, before getting benched in favor of Bailey Zappe in the second half of 2023), but apparently, he has made a good first impression on Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.
“He’s the ultimate pro,” Pederson told reporters on Tuesday, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “He’s done a great job since he’s been here, spending time studying the offense, getting caught up in the offense. … I liked him coming out of college when looking at quarterbacks back then. We’re excited to have him. It gives us a great room with he and C.J. [Beathard] as kind of competing in that role. And he’s done a nice job.”
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.
He started every game during his rookie campaign and was solid, throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while completing 67.6 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 92.5. Jones actually made the Pro Bowl that season and, most importantly, led the Pats to 11 wins and a playoff appearance.
The future looked bright for Jones at that time, but things quickly went south.
An ankle injury limited him to 14 contests during his sophomore season, and when he was on the field, he totaled 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 picks in what represented a significant step back for the 25-year-old.
Jones then continued his rapid descent in 2023, finishing with 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions before losing his job to Zappe after 11 starts.
The Patriots traded him to Jacksonville for a sixth-round draft pick earlier this offseason.
“I think a change of scenery sometimes is good for players, for coaches,” Pederson said. “For him to get back here around family and friends has been good for him. I think he’s embraced it since he’s been here.”
Perhaps Jones can revitalize career in an environment where the pressure is much lower in Jacksonville. Nothing is expected from him in 2024, so this may be a good time for him to find himself and re-establish himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback.
We’ll see if Mac Jones can do that next season.
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