Dolloff: Is a Mac Jones trade even worth it?

The prevailing wisdom is that a Mac Jones trade is likely for the New England Patriots. But at what point does it become a better idea to simply keep him and give it one more year?

And by "keep him" I don't mean name him the starting quarterback, at any point. But even as a backup or just another competitor for the starting job, in a quarterback room that's going to be thin with or without him?

MORE: Patriots make decision on Mac Jones' fifth-year option

If Jones is willing to stay, now that Jerod Mayo is his head coach and he may be getting Josh McDaniels back, and the Patriots are happy to keep him ... then what is the point of trading him for a late draft pick, which would most likely turn into a special teamer or a borderline NFL player?

The only reason to do that, of course, is if either side prefers a fresh start. Otherwise, Jones is a hold. That's especially true now that an NFL executive told MassLive's Karen Guregian that he could see a team trading the Patriots a fifth-round pick for Jones.

"Maybe they could get a fourth-rounder, but it would depend on the time of year, and the team’s situation," the exec added.

The same source continued that Jones' contract, which is now just one year after the Pats declined to pick up his fifth-year option, is a big factor into why he'd only fetch a fifth-round pick at best. But the 49ers were able to trade Trey Lance for a fourth-rounder, and he hadn't accomplished anything, let alone anything close to what Jones did with the Patriots.

Jones' promising rookie season at least showed that he's got something in him as far as being a viable NFL quarterback. He may no longer be that here, after the Patriots broke him. But if anyone in particular broke Jones, it's Bill Belichick, and he's gone now.

This all hinges on how the Patriots and Jones feel about the whole "clean slate," "fresh start" thing. But this is the plain truth: even a halfway-decent quarterback is infinitely more valuable than a fifth-round pick or lower. Even a broken Mac Jones is worth keeping and trying to fix over a pure lottery ticket.

If the Patriots can convince a team to send them a fourth-round pick for Jones, then that is a deal worth considering. Otherwise, if the two sides agree to try this out one more time and see if they can make it work, then Jones is worth holding. It all depends on what they actually want to do.

Even if the Patriots do keep Jones for 2024, they'll still want to draft a quarterback with one of their high picks come April. Read below for LSU's Jayden Daniels as a potential prospect for New England.

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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.

After a breakout season in 2023, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is poised to be a top five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's a multi-faceted game-changer at the quarterback position, but his prospect makeup doesn't come without its questions.

College: LSU

Age: 23

Height: 6'4

Weight: 210

Awards: Heisman Trophy (2023), Walter Camp Award (2023), AP College Football Player of the Year (2023), Davey O'Brien Award (2023), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2023), Consensus All-American (2023), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2023), All-SEC First Team (2023)

Daniels was a four-star recruit out of Cajon High School in California. He was the second-ranked quarterback (behind Spencer Rattler) and top-ranked dual threat quarterback in the Class of 2019, and committed to Arizona State.

In his first camp at Arizona State Daniels won the starting job, making him the first true freshman starting quarterback in program history. He finished as a runner-up for Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the year. He retained the starting job all three years he was with Arizona State.

In 2022 Daniels transferred to LSU, where his production dramatically increased despite facing tougher SEC defenses. After a promising 2022 season Daniels had a monster 2023 season, capturing the Heisman trophy.

For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page. 

-- Rapid growth the last two years shows an ability to quickly learn and improve his game

-- Best at throwing to some of the toughest parts of the field, deep and outside the numbers

-- Good throwing mechanics, quick release

-- Elite athlete, a true big play threat as a runner, but doesn't need to run to be effective

-- Can use his legs to extend a play and create with his arm, just as well as taking off and scrambling

-- Trusts his arm too much at times

-- Middle of the field accuracy is inconsistent

-- Will need to bulk up to take the kind of contact he'll deal with at the next level

-- Doesn't protect himself as a runner, takes too many unnecessary big hits, needs to slide and go out of bounds more

-- Older prospect (will turn 24 during his rookie year)

Ceiling: Lamar Jackson

Middle: Robert Griffin III

Floor: Tyrod Taylor

Daniels is an elite athlete at the quarterback position, but that's hardly his whole game. He's improved significantly as a passer his two years at LSU. He'll need to work on his short game, and durability will be a question due to his frame, but he has the big-play potential - both as a passer and runner - that NFL teams covet.

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.

NEXT: Patriots Hold Pre-Draft Meetings With LSU Quarterbacks