All signs point to Mac Jones playing elsewhere in 2024.
But even if the Patriots don’t plan on exercising the 25-year-old quarterback’s fifth-year option, Jones will not officially hit free agency until after the 2024 season wraps.
Jones could remain on the sidelines in a backup role in 2024, especially if the Patriots add another quarterback via free agency or the draft. But a clean slate for all parties might be the best option moving forward.
So what could the Patriots realistically gain from dealing away Jones?
MassLive’s Karen Guregian spoke with an NFL executive on the subject this week.