Mac Jones' $25.7M Contract Option for 2025 Declined by Jaguars After Patriots Trade

The Jacksonville Jaguars believed in Mac Jones enough to acquire him via trade from the New England Patriots to compete for a backup quarterback role this season, but they reportedly don't believe in him enough to pick up his fifth-year option.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Michael DiRocco reported the AFC South team declined to pick up the $25.7 million fifth-year option on Jones' deal. DiRocco deemed the decision "unsurprising" given the quarterback's expected role of competing with C.J. Beathard to be Trevor Lawrence's backup.

Jacksonville sent the Patriots a 2024 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Jones last month in a move that underscored the signal-caller's lack of true value around the league.

There was a time when New England surely envisioned him as the quarterback of the future after selecting him with the No. 15 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft. He was even a Pro Bowler who went 10-7 as a starter during his rookie campaign.

However, things have fallen off of late.

Jones went 6-8 as a starter in 2022 and then 2-9 as a starter with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2023. He was benched at times for Bailey Zappe during the past season, which was a testament to Jones' play more than Zappe's considering the latter threw for six touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023.

It was apparent the Patriots were ready to move on this offseason given reports of frustration within the team, and they finally did with the Jaguars trade.

Jacksonville can at least take solace knowing it has an experienced backup in Jones who could help keep the team afloat if Lawrence suffers an injury. However, it wasn't about to commit to a $25.7 million option for someone who has regressed as much as the Alabama product.

Perhaps the two sides can come to terms on a new deal down the line, but it would likely be for much less annual money.