Patriots reportedly make big decision on Mac Jones’ contract
The New England Patriots have made an important decision on the future of Mac Jones’ contract.
According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, the Patriots will not exercise Jones’ fifth-year option. He’ll become a free agent after the end of the 2024 season if he stays on his current deal. It’s not the most surprising news, since Jones is coming off a season in which he started only 11 games with a 77.0 passer rating before being benched for the rest of the season.
MORE: Favorite emerging for Patriots offensive coordinator job
While most NFL draft picks sign their rookie deals for four years, first-round picks can be signed to a fifth via the option. Over The Cap projected Jones’ fifth-year option at $21.978 million. He’d be fortunate to approach that number after 2023, regardless of where he ends up playing in 2024.
Mac Jones officially has just one year left on his contract with the Patriots. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
For now, Jones is under contract with New England. At the same time, the only reason the Patriots would actually move on from Jones before the 2024 season is if Jones himself wants a fresh start, or if the two sides have a mutual agreement on that front.
If everyone involved is happy to give it one more year in New England, especially now that Jones is no longer dealing with Bill Belichick, well … he’s due a base salary of about $2.7 million. He would certainly make financial sense as a guy to give a shot at the starting job in camp.
But the lack of a fifth-year option signifies that Jones is at the very least at his final chance to make it work with the Patriots. That, or he’ll have a prove-it year with a new team. The long-term health of his career is on the line.
Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Barth's 2024 Draft Profiles: USC QB Caleb Williams
USC quarterback Caleb Williams entered the 2023 college football season projected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and despite not quite matching his 2022 production still did enough to maintain that expectation. Will the Trojans’ dynamic passer live up to the hype?
Caleb Williams Scouting Report
Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Background
College: USC
Age: 22
Height: 6’1
Weight: 215
Awards: Heisman Trophy (2022), Maxwell Award (2022), Walter Camp Award (2022), AP College Football Player of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), All-Pac-12 First Team (2022), All-Big 12 Second Team (2021)
Williams was a five-star recruit out of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. He was the second-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2021, behind Quinn Ewers. He initially committed to Oklahoma and as a true freshman he beat out preseason Heisman favorite Spencer Rattler for the Sooners’ starting job mid-season. Following the season he followed his head coach Lincoln Riley, who took the head coaching job at USC.
In his first full season as a starter Williams had a breakout sophomore year. He won a number of awards including the Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, and was named a unanimous All-American. Williams had another impressive season in 2023 but shortcomings elsewhere on USC’s roster (they had the 121st-ranked defense) saw the team take a step back record-wise.
For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page.
