Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is excited about a fresh start in a familiar place.
During Thursday’s introductory press conference with the Jaguars, the Jacksonville native expressed gratitude for New England, which he called home for three seasons before last Sunday’s stunning trade.
“I have all the respect in the world for those guys up there, they’re my first team, drafted me in the first round, can’t thank them enough,” Jones said. “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 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones showed promises as a rookie, completing 67.6 percent of his passes while throwing 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions en route to a Pro Bowl nod.
Entering year two with new offensive coaches at the helm – Matt Patricia and Joe Judge replaced offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who took the top job with the Raiders – Jones struggled and was often captured venting his frustrations on game days.
Things took a turn for the worst last season, when Jones was benched in games before backup quarterback Bailey Zappe took over the starting role in late 2023.
In the wake of a dismal 4-13 season, head coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots parted ways in January after 24 seasons, six of which resulted in Super Bowl wins.
Former linebacker-turned-coach Jerod Mayo was announced as Belichick’s successor and speculation began brewing if and when Jones would be moved.
Jones is thankful for “a lot of the great learning experiences” with the Patriots.
“Learned from a great head coach, obviously, one of the greatest of all time. Been fortunate to kind of work with some great head coaches and learned a lot,” he said.
Not only is Jones embracing his next chapter with the Jaguars, but his longtime girlfriend, Sophie Scott, is, too.
Scott, who has been dating Jones since at least 2019, celebrated his move to Jacksonville in an Instagram Story.
“Back home,” she captioned the shot.
Jones, 25, will now back up Jaguars starter Trevor Lawrence, who was selected first overall in 2021.
The Patriots, meanwhile, are anticipated to select a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft next month.
