Mac Jones Scouting Report on New Patriots’ QB

After the New England Patriots signed quarterback Ian Book to the practice squad, incumbent starter Mac Jones shared his reaction.

The New England Patriots' quarterback room behind starter Mac Jones has seen several moves since the preseason concluded, a trend thatcontinued Wednesday with the signing of Ian Book.

A fourth-round pick in 2021 by the New Orleans Saints, Book joins undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham as signal callers on New England's practice squad.

The Patriots have Jones and Bailey Zappe as the quarterbacks on their active roster, but evidently wanted to keep adding.

How does Jones feel about the development?

Positively, citing his matchup against Book in the College Football Playoffs when Jones led Alabama to a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame to date the depths of their relationship and elaborate on what he's seen.

"He's a great quarterback, and we're excited to have him in the room," Jones said.

Book, 25, has played in one game as a professional - a Week 16 start for the Saints on Monday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins in 2021. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 135 yards and no touchdowns while tossing two interceptions and taking eight sacks.

The 6-0, 206-pound Book was waived by the Saints just days before the start of the 2022 season but was quickly claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles. He dressed in two games last year but didn't see any action and was let go following this preseason.

Now, Book has ventured to New England, where he'll share a room with Jones; the two know each other "a little bit," the latter said, from spending some time together during the pre-draft process in 2021, but due to the prevalence of COVID-19 in that period, it wasn't as straightforward.

Nonetheless, Jones is happy to have Book alongside him - and is optimistic that his presence can be beneficial as New England seeks to get back to its playoff roots.

"I thought he was really good in college and obviously glad to have him here," Jones said. "I feel like quarterback rooms need to work together to help the team win, so hopefully we can do that."

Jones, with Book watching and helping in any way he can, will lead the Patriots into Gillette Stadium for a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. EST.