'No Downside!' Mac Jones Trade From Patriots to Jaguars Praised by MVP Matt Ryan

The Jacksonville Jaguars have their new backup quarterback after acquiring Mac Jones from the New England Patriots.

The Mac Jones era for the New England Patriots has officially come to an end, although many would rather describe it as the end of an error.

On Sunday, the Patriots traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, his hometown team, for just a measly sixth-round pick. While the Patriots got next to nothing for Jones, especially considering he was the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, simply ending the disastrous three-year era is enough for many.

On the flip side, the Jaguars take a flier on a former first-round pick to back up Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in that same draft. Sure, Jones may have flamed out in New England, but getting him for so cheap is worth taking a chance.

Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Before Jones has even played a single snap for the Jaguars, the trade is already generating positive buzz on their end. On FanDuel TV's Up and Adams show, former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan praised the Jaguars for their savvy move.

“I view it as no downside,” Ryan said. “You talk about giving up a sixth-round pick — this was a first-round pick just a couple of years ago that was in a Pro Bowl. Given the circumstances that went on in New England, too, I think it’s hard to have a complete picture of what Mac Jones is as a quarterback in this league. 

"Trevor Lawrence had those injury issues at the end of last season. He toughed it out and he gutted through it, which is admirable, but you never know when that’s going to happen."

Indeed, the Patriots did Jones no favors during his time with the team. No one would deny that he had his own struggles, but with three different offensive coordinators in as many years and one of the worst offensive lines and receiver corps in the league, most quarterbacks would struggle in that situation.

Blame Belichick! Patriots Failed Mac Jones

After making the Divisional Round in 2022, the Jaguars disappointed in 2023 by losing five of their final six games to miss the playoffs. Adding Jones doesn't exactly move the needle, but having an insurance plan for their franchise quarterback is a sound idea.