New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is expected to be traded this offseason, according to a report from Ian Rapoport. With a new regime, the Patriots are positioned to select a new starting quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots are expected to choose between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.
Jones hasn't met expectations as a 2021 first-rounder. The former Alabama standout has declined with each passing season and the organization has understandably soured on his long-term outlook. Jones is entering a contract season in 2024, but the franchise that trades for him will inherit a manageable cap charge of under $5 million. With that in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers are going to add a veteran quarterback this offseason. Jones may only be a three-year pro, but he's attempted 1,308 passes, nearly the double amount of Kenny Pickett's career passing attempts. Pickett was benched down the stretch of the 2023 campaign and is expected to face competition for the starting gig in training camp.
The Steelers were connected to free-agent-to-be Ryan Tannehill over the weekend. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously enjoyed an excellent stint as Tannehill's offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans, even helping the team advance to an AFC Championship Game. Smith has a history of getting mid-tier quarterbacks like Tannehill to overachieve. Tannehill-to-Pittsburgh will gain steam, but acquiring a cheaper, younger quarterback with more upside like Jones offers an alternative route.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams arguably had the worst backup situation in the league last season. They eventually added Carson Wentz via a one-year contract but he isn't guaranteed to return to Los Angeles in 2024. It's also time for Sean McVay and Les Snead to consider identifying a succession plan for Matthew Stafford.
They've already taken a swing on a quarterback by drafting Stetson Bennett. Jones would essentially be on a one-year contract in 2024. Barring injury, Jones isn't going to replace Stafford, but acquiring him would allow an offensive-minded genius like McVay to assess his long-term potential behind the scenes. There's also a fairly notable staff connection to consider. Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley was an offensive assistant with the Patriots for Jones' first two seasons (2021-22) in the league.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
I'm not quite sure what the Raiders are going to do at quarterback this offseason besides move on from Jimmy Garoppolo. New general manager Tom Telesco is an experienced decision-maker, but he hasn't inherited a great position to add a franchise quarterback. It would take an aggressive trade-up from 13th overall to draft a premier prospect. The Raiders will likely search for bridge-type quarterbacks to compete with Aidan O'Connell.
Perhaps this landing spot would be likelier if Josh McDaniels was still in charge, Jones' former offensive coordinator who maximized his potential in 2021. Even without McDaniels, the Raiders must get somewhat creative when adding a quarterback this offseason. Letting Jones and O'Connell compete for reps throughout training camp is a potential outcome.
