Mac Jones to Cleveland Browns, Now?! New England Patriots Legend Rob Gronkowski Wild Idea

Rob Gronkowski believes New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones should ask for his release, then sign with the quarterback-needy Cleveland Browns.

Less than three years into his NFL career, quarterback Mac Jones and the New England Patriots could be heading for a divorce.

The former first-round pick has struggled mightily over the last two seasons, and 2023 has been particularly brutal. Jones has thrown 10 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and he's been benched three separate times. With the Patriots floundering to a 2-8 record, the worst in the AFC, it seems all but inevitable that Jones will be on his way out of New England sooner rather than later.

Where Jones ends up after New England is a mystery, but former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has a suggestion. According to the legendary tight end, Jones should ask out of New England as soon as possible and then join the Cleveland Browns.

Jones lines up under center during a 2021 game against the Browns / Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

“I think Mac Jones should ultimately, even right now, should just go and ask for his release," Gronkowski said on the Up and Adams show. "If you’re talking to me about what he should do: Ask for his release. And then if it gets granted, he should go sign with the Cleveland Browns and start a new career right there. They need a new quarterback. Imagine that. How wild would that be?”

The Browns currently hold the sixth seed in the AFC at 6-3 record, but their need under center became very apparent after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens. Without the controversial quarterback, Cleveland now must turn to fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and former XFL standout P.J. Walker. While the Browns are in the playoff picture, they've largely been winning in spite of their quarterback thanks to their outstanding defense and strong ground game.

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Even if Jones isn't a world-beater, Gronkowski believes he could have some success in Cleveland with playmakers like receiver Amari Cooper alongside him.

“He’s got some weapons around him (with the Browns), and that would determine if Mac Jones is the real deal or not," Gronkowski said. "I think he’s a decent quarterback. I think he’ll definitely be in the NFL for a little bit, even if it’s going to be as a backup for a little bit and then a starter once again.”

If Jones were to leave New England, it sounds more likely that it would happen in the offseason as almost no one has speculated about his release. Additionally, the former Alabama standout took first-team reps in practice on Wednesday, indicating that he is still the starter for the time being.

Regardless of how unlikely Gronkowski's suggestion is, it is certainly an intriguing one.

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