Former NFL quarterback explains why Patriots would possibly wish to commerce Mac Jones

Patriots

“Mac Jones has thrown 42 touchdowns. None of them have been to Professional Bowlers.”

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Mac Jones has thrown 5 touchdowns in six video games with the Patriots this season. AP Picture/John Locher

With the NFL commerce deadline set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the 1-5 Patriots may very well be a fireplace sale within the coming weeks.

Confirmed playmakers set to hit free company like Josh Uche, Kendrick Bourne, and Ezekiel Elliott might all be on the transfer, particularly if it permits New England to recoup extra draft capital.

However might New England additionally choose to commerce Mac Jones? 

The case might be made that Jones’ worth has by no means been decrease. Via six video games, Jones has solely thrown for 1,208 yards and 5 touchdowns whereas getting knocked for seven interceptions. He’s been benched in two of the Patriots’ final three video games.

But when one other workforce thinks that Jones is a worthwhile reclamation venture, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky wouldn’t be stunned if New England opts to maneuver on from its QB1.

“Ought to they take into account it? The reply to that query is sure, if they’ve made the dedication they’re carried out with Mac,” Orlovsky stated throughout a radio spot on WEEI’s “Jones & Mego” on Wednesday. “And after I say they, it’s Mr. Kraft. After which it’s Invoice Belichick.

“Now, each of these guys should be in conjunction considering that they’re going to be collectively subsequent yr. And I do know that’s change into a subject of dialog — Is Coach Belichick going to be there? Is Mr. Kraft going to do one thing? Clearly, the years of disappointment during the last three.

“So, if each of these guys are like, ‘We’re carried out with Mac Jones, we’re undoubtedly doing one thing else.’ Then the reply to that query is definitely sure.”

When requested on WEEI about what a attainable return for Jones may very well be, Orlovsky speculated {that a} fourth-round choose may very well be an possibility for New England.

Even with Jones’ lackluster stats this season, Orlovsky — who said Jones would be playing like Brock Purdy if he was on the 49ers — acknowledged that Jones might orchestrate a bounce-back season if he’s surrounded with a extra gifted roster. 

“Mac Jones has thrown 42 touchdowns. None of them have been to Professional Bowlers. Not a one,” Orlovsky famous, as transcribed by WEEI.com’s Mike Kadlick. “Brock Purdy has thrown 24. 19 of them are to Professional Bowlers. It issues.”