The strongest sign yet Bill Belichick is not sold on Mac Jones
The relationship between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones has been in the spotlight since midway through the 2022 season. At times late in the year Jones’ apparent tension with the Patriots’ coaching staff visibly boiled over, and Jones reportedly called around to other coaches looking for advice on how to fix New England’s offense.
Despite all of that, it appeared the Patriots were ready to stick with Jones for the 2023 season. At the beginning of the offseason, NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran asserted owner Robert Kraft wouldn’t let such a trade take place. Apparently though, that hasn’t stopped Belichick from trying.
According to a new report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tuesday, Belichick “has shopped Jones to multiple teams during the 2023 offseason.” Florio adds that “the full list of potential destinations” is not known, but does mention the Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Commanders.
INSTANT REACTION via @ZoandBertrand on the report from @ProFootballTalk that Bill Belichick has shopped Mac Jones this offseason.
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) April 4, 2023
MORE FROM THE CONVERSATION HERE: https://t.co/Y4Nu7Lrqu2 pic.twitter.com/wzGbRIZafL
Florio also adds that just because a move hasn’t been made yet, doesn’t mean one isn’t coming. “Obviously, a trade hasn’t occurred yet. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” he writes. “A team hoping to draft a quarterback could pivot to Jones, if that team doesn’t get the guy it wants.”
This all comes just a week after the NFL Owners’ Meetings, where Belichick seemed to suggest Jones will have to compete to win the starting quarterback job in 2023. Meanwhile, Kraft spoke very highly of Jones, but did also hint that he’d be open to adding Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
