Patriots Not Expected to Exercise Mac Jones' Fifth-Year Option, per Report

The Patriots seem to have made up their minds on a big decision regarding Jones.

After another subpar season, it appears that the New England Patriots have made up their minds on an important offseason decision concerning quarterback Mac Jones. 

The Patriots, armed with the third pick in a quarterback-heavy 2024 NFL draft, appear to be at a crossroads when it comes to the future of Jones. 

But one clue has emerged as it pertains to New England’s thinking on Jones, as the franchise is not expected to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which would make the veteran quarterback a free agent following the conclusion of the 2024 season, according to Mark Daniels of Mass Live. 

Quarterback Mac Jones struggled the past two seasons for the Patriots after a strong rookie campaign / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots would have been on the hook for about $23 million guaranteed had they picked up the option. Instead, Jones will play out the 2024 season on a base salary of about $2.785 million and then will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, per Daniels. The team could also look to trade Jones, depending on the return in such a deal. 

It's not surprising to see New England leaning this way, as Jones took significant steps backward in 2022 and 2023 after a strong rookie campaign. Plus, the Patriots will have a fairly good chance of landing one of the top signal-callers in this year's draft. 

Unfortunately, this seems like the beginning of the end of Jones's tenure in New England.