Jaguars QB Mac Jones: Patriots Trade Was 'Mutual Parting of Ways' and 'Best Decision'

The Patriots moved on from quarterback Mac Jones earlier this week following a tumultuous career in New England, trading him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick.

Jones was officially introduced as a member of his hometown Jags on Thursday, and he told reporters that his departure from New England was a joint decision that will allow both sides to get a fresh start.

Jones said:

"I have all the respect for those guys up there. They're my first team, drafted me in the first round and can't thank them enough. Obviously, we kind of just decided the mutual parting of ways was the best decision for both of us. For me, it was just about moving on and getting back home, and I can't be more excited. And for them, it's about moving forward and turning the page. So really, that's kind of what we decided, and I think it's a great decision."

The Patriots selected Jones 15th overall in the 2021 draft out of Alabama, where he won a College Football Playoff national title.

Jones put together a solid rookie season, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 17 games. He was also named an injury replacement for the Pro Bowl and finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Things came crashing down from there, which wasn't entirely Jones' fault.

During the 2022 campaign, Jones struggled under a combination of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge leading Bill Belichick's offense. With his performance having taken a step backward, the Patriots hired Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Jones ended up hitting rock bottom last season as the Patriots finished 4-13, their worst record in more than two decades. He was benched multiple times in favor of backup Bailey Zappe before being relegated to the bench for the remainder of the season after a Week 12 loss to the New York Giants.

The 25-year-old completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 2,120 yards and 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 11 games.

With the Patriots having moved on from Jones, they are expected to select a new quarterback in the 2024 draft with the No. 3 overall pick. USC's Caleb Williams is widely expected to go first overall, but UNC's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels could be available when New England is on the clock.

While Jones is getting a fresh start in his hometown, he'll be backing up fellow 2021 first-round draft pick Trevor Lawrence, who was taken by the Jaguars with the No. 1 overall pick, next season.

Jones has a $25.6 million fifth-year option for 2025 that the Jaguars could pick up, though at that price tag, it seems likely that he could become a free agent. If he shows some improvement, perhaps he'll one day return to being a starter.