Mac Attacked: Patriots Committed to QB Jones?

After a year of sharp regression, the New England Patriots first shopped Mac Jones and are now meeting with Top-10 quarterbacks before next week's NFL Draft.

Can this year's "clean slate" supersede last season's "dirty player"?

A year ago entering the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots were confident they had a rising star in quarterback Mac Jones. Coming off a Pro Bowl appearance and a playoff berth, he began the Pats' offseason with a leaner body, a stronger disposition and a bright future as the best quarterback from the 2021 draft class.

Boasted coach Bill Belichick about Jones in April 2022: "He's made tremendous strides."

Unfortunately for Jones and New England, those two steps forward were last season negated by three steps back.

He was hurt. He was benched (for rookie backup Bailey Zappe). His offense was horrible. He was prone to on-field temper tantrums, yelling at play-caller Matt Patricia and getting fined three times for unsportsmanlike conduct. After a low block, peers around the league labeled Jones "dirty."

Belichick refused to defend his quarterback from the criticism. And - apparently upset that Jones sought outside counsel during the turbulent season - he offered no vote of confidence this offseason, reportedly putting his starting quarterback on the trading block.

Though there have been Mac-friendly moves this offseason such as bringing in O'Brien and allowing Patricia to leave for a job with the Philadelphia Eagles, there still is no definitive proclamation regarding Jones' job security.

When the San Francisco 49ers revealed they had fielded calls for Trey Lance, consensus speculation was that at one of the potential suitors was the Pats.

"Mac has the ability to play quarterback in this league," Belichick shrugged recently when asked if Jones was the starting quarterback. "We have to all work together to try to find the best way as a football team - which, obviously, the quarterback is an important position - to be more productive."

Jones, too, has been cryptic about his role on the 2023 team, posting to his Instagram a poem that suggested "If."

Things seemed to be smoothing over. New offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien promised Jones a "fresh start" and the quarterback was recently working out in Foxboro with teammates wearing in playful costumes.

But we can't ignore the uncertainty. Neither can teammates - such as edge rusher Josh Uche - who feel moved to throw their support behind a quarterback they sense needs to hear it.

In advance of next week's draft the Pats have shown interest in Anthony Richardson and now - on the final day for Top 30 visits - hosted Will Levis. Both quarterbacks are expected to be Top 10 picks. New England sits at No. 14.

Is Belichick simply performing due diligence? Or preparing for Jones' departure?

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