Patriots Rumors: Mac Jones Was Asked 'What He Wanted to Do' Before Jaguars Trade

It sounds like the New England Patriots wanted to have a dignified end to the Mac Jones era.

The Patriots will trade Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick once the league year begins and the quarterback passes a physical. This comes after the 2021 first-round pick had a rocky two seasons after a Pro Bowl rookie year and will have him return to his hometown.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that New England had informed Jones that the franchise would move him and even asked for his preferences.

"The Patriots told Mac Jones after the combine of their intention to trade him, and even asked the quarterback what he wanted to do," Breer wrote. "After working through that, and shopping him all week, New England found a suitor in the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a sixth-round pick in its back pocket, the Patriots fished around for a fifth Saturday, before finalizing the deal to send Jones to his hometown for the 192nd pick. The return, of course, isn't great for a player picked 15th three years ago. But it's reflective of the feeling that there just isn't a ton of physical upside there in Jones."

Jones' rookie season saw him lead New England to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, while throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. His statistics have not hit those highs since that season, and the Patriots have now missed the postseason in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2000.

Jones' career stats to this point have him throwing for 8,918 passing yards with 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions while compiling an 18-24 overall record. He will likely serve in a backup role behind Trevor Lawrence and will try to recoup value in his stock.