The New England Patriots seem likely to move on from quarterback Mac Jones, and NFL executives are speculating on what he’d be worth in the trade market.
According to the Boston Herald, three NFL executives have said that Jones would be worth around a fifth-round pick, but another from the AFC said the Patriots “would “might be lucky” to receive even a sixth-rounder for the former Pro Bowler.
It is widely believed the 2021 first-round pick has played his last snaps for the team.
Jones was benched multiple times during the season, including for good during halftime of the Patriots’ 10-7 loss to the Giants.
Jones went from a promising rookie year in 2021, when he led the Patriots to a playoff appearance, to unplayable this past season.
In 2021 he threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, but in 2023 he threw for just 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
As a result, his trade value has completely tanked.
It remains to be seen whether the Patriots will get draft value that compares to other quarterbacks taken in Jones’ class such as the fourth-round pick the 49ers got for Trey Lance, and whatever the Jets get for Zach Wilson, who is seeking a trade partner.
Meanwhile, the Patriots still don’t know exactly what they’re doing with their first-round pick at No. 3 overall.
According to Boston.com, the Patriots staff really likes Baker Mayfield, who would fill out the veteran quarterback requirement the Patriots currently want on their team.
Mayfield already has a familiar face on the Patriots coaching staff.
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was the Browns offensive coordinator for two seasons with Mayfield.
Alongside Mayfield or any veteran signal-caller, the Patriots still want to draft a quarterback and have him sit behind the vet during Week 1 and beyond, the report said.
On NFL Network on Saturday, Daniel Jeremiah said that if New England is in on Mayfield, the No. 3 pick may be up for sale.
Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Divisional Round of the playoffs this season, throwing for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and ten interceptions. While the Patriots may be interested in him, they’ll have to fight other teams to sign him.
