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Starter or Backup: ESPN Mike Reiss weighs in on Mac Jones’ future after trade

Author Nick Gemelli
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy, Mike Reiss from ESPN weighed in on the news of Mac Jones being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 6th round pick (#192).

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The conversation centered around Mac Jones’ potential as a quarterback and whether or not he’s viewed as a starting QB in the league, with Reiss likening him to Andy Dalton and suggesting that while he may not be a game-changer, his dedication to the sport could give him a chance to succeed under the right circumstances. The hosts mulled over whether Jones could reclaim a starting position in the NFL or if he’s more likely to have a career as a backup. They also stressed the importance of finding the ideal environment for Jones to excel, drawing parallels to other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo.

 

TRANSCRIPT:

Hardy: Yeah, so this conversation circles back to what we were discussing earlier, Mike. What exactly is Mac Jones’ new ceiling? We thought we had glimpsed it during his rookie year, but when we look at the numbers, they seem to align with the eye test – a drop in performance. Watching him week in and week out over the past couple of seasons, it begs the question: is he destined to regain his status as a starting quarterback in the league, or are we now considering the possibility, as we did this morning, that he might settle into a career as a backup? Maybe he’ll get some spot starts due to injury, but which scenario seems more plausible?

Mike Reiss: Let’s consider Andy Dalton as a reference point. He’s the type who will likely stick around for a long while. A solid 1-B option – capable of starting and being competitive, but perhaps never quite the 1-A. That’s my initial take. Think about Baker Mayfield – one moment he’s here, there, everywhere, then he lands in the right spot and has a standout year. He was only making 4-5 million last year. Hardy: Yeah, it seems the physical skill set varies greatly among these quarterbacks. With Mac Jones, it’s a question of what he can offer a team. Is he merely a presence at practice and in the locker room, or is he someone you look at and say, “We should start him because he brings XYZ to the table”? It’s tough to gauge, really.

Wallach: Mike, do you agree with the notion that he’s not a game-changer? Perhaps he needs the perfect environment to thrive?

Mike Reiss: I’m inclined to agree. Right now, it seems fair to say that he’s not a game-changer. However, one thing in his favor is his dedication – he lives and breathes football. He’s still showing up at the stadium in Foxboro at the crack of dawn. So, he’s giving himself a shot. But, yes, he might need specific conditions to excel. Jimmy Garoppolo comes to mind as another example – similar to Mac and Andy Dalton in terms of what the future might hold.

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Nick Gemelli is a Producer on Toucher & Hardy and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. Follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.

Follow @ToucherandHardy on Twitter and @Toucherandhardy to keep up with the show!

NFL Free Agency Tracker, Day 1: Latest news across the league

NFL free agency is kicking off across the league. We’ve got you covered in our official live tracker.

We are now in what’s known as the “legal tampering” period. Impending free agents are allowed to negotiate directly with other teams, up until the actual start of free agency and the league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. But there’s already signing news to know.

Read below for the latest free agency news & rumors across the National Football League…

  • Patriots sign Jacoby Brissett

    A reunion in New England: the Patriots are signing 2016 third-round pick Jacoby Brissett for a second stint. The quarterback returns to where it all began. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had it first on X.

    According to Albert Breer, it’s a one-year deal for $8 million for Brissett in New England.

  • Top remaining tight end off the market

    With Dalton Schultz and Hunter Henry re-signing last week, Noah Fant entered the day as the top tight end on the market. However he is also heading back to his previous team, re-signing with the Seattle Seahawks on a two-year, $21 million deal according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. The Seahawks initially acquired Fant in the Russell Wilson trade.

    Jordan Schultz on Twitter: "BREAKING: Free agent TE Noah Fant is re-signing with the #Seahawks for $21M over 2, sources tell @BleacherReport.The former 1st-round pick has over 2,800 receiving yards and 14 TDs in five NFL seasons. pic.twitter.com/pCKj4nuoCs / Twitter"

    BREAKING: Free agent TE Noah Fant is re-signing with the #Seahawks for $21M over 2, sources tell @BleacherReport.The former 1st-round pick has over 2,800 receiving yards and 14 TDs in five NFL seasons. pic.twitter.com/pCKj4nuoCs

  • Patriots keeping Michael Onwenu

    Impending free-agent offensive lineman Michael Onwenu seemed to have a good market, but ultimately, the Patriots keep their guy on a new contract. According to Ian Rapoport, it’s a three-year deal worth up to $57 million, with $38 million guaranteed and a $22.5 million signing bonus.

    A big payday for the versatile Onwenu, who has played both right tackle and right guard for the Patriots.

  • Jaguars sign CB Ronald Darby

    Jacksonville is getting some veteran help for their secondary. They’ve agreed to a deal with cornerback Ronald Darby, as reported by Jordan Schultz. It’s a two-year deal worth up to $10 million for the 30-year-old Darby, who replaces the recently released Darious Williams on the depth chart.

  • Ekeler to the Commanders

    Free-agent running back intends to sign with the Washington Commanders, per multiple reports. According to Tom Pelissero, it’s a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million. A potential bargain for Washington, who quickly finds an established veteran replacement for Antonio Gibson.

  • Giants sign OL Jermaine Eluemunor

    The Giants have had a busy day. In addition to trading for star defensive end Brian Burns, they’re getting offensive line help, too. As reported by Ian Rapoport, the Giants are signing offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor to a two-year, $14 million deal. The former Patriot has experience at both tackle and guard.

  • Trade! Giants get Brian Burns from Panthers

    Not long after reportedly receiving the franchise tag from the Panthers, star pass rusher Brian Burns is now headed to the New York Giants in a trade. Along with the acquisition, the Giants are signing Burns to a five-year deal worth up to $150 million, with $87.5M guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport. The Panthers get second- and fifth-round picks in return.

    Burns is now the second-highest-paid defensive end in the NFL. Only the 49ers’ Nick Bosa has a higher AAV on his contract ($34 million).

  • CB Chidobe Awuzie chooses Titans

    One of the top available free-agent cornerbacks is off the market. Chidobe Awuzie intends to sign with the Titans, according to Mike Garafolo. It’s a three-year deal with a base value of $36 million and $23 million guaranteed. Tennessee fortifies its secondary.

  • Eagles sign LB Zack Baun

    The Eagles continue to reshape their defensive front-seven. They’ve agreed to a deal with former Saints linebacker Zack Baun, according to Adam Schefter. It’s a one-year deal for Baun.

  • Lions land Marcus Davenport

    The Detroit Lions have found a talented complement to Aidan Hutchinson for their defensive front. They’re signing former Vikings and Saints DE Marcus Davenport, according to Mike Garafolo.

    Davenport played in only four games before a high-ankle sprain cut his only season in Minnesota short. He was previously in New Orleans with Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

  • Browns re-sign Za’Darius Smith

    One of the Brown’ key pass-rushers is staying in the fold. Za’Darius Smith is staying in Cleveland, as first reported by Dianna Russini. Ian Rapoport later added that it’s a two-year deal with a max value of $25 million.

  • Patriots lose starting linebacker

    Linebacker Mack Wilson is heading west, signing a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson spent the last two years in New England, and had somewhat of a breakout year in 2023. It was previously reported the Patriots had a three-year deal on the table for Wilson.

    Ian Rapoport on Twitter: "Source: Former #Patriots LB Mack Wilson has agreed to terms with the #AZCardinals on a 3-year, $12.75M deal worth up to $15M. More help on defense. / Twitter"

    Source: Former #Patriots LB Mack Wilson has agreed to terms with the #AZCardinals on a 3-year, $12.75M deal worth up to $15M. More help on defense.

  • DE A.J. Epenesa returns to Bills

    The Bills have lost a number of players this offseason, but defensive end A.J. Epenesa won’t be among them. He’s returning to the team on a two-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The Bills already lost one edge rusher on Monday, with Leonard Floyd signing with the 49ers.

    Mike Garafolo on Twitter: "The #Bills are bringing back DE A.J. Epenesa on a two-year deal, source says. / Twitter"

    The #Bills are bringing back DE A.J. Epenesa on a two-year deal, source says.

  • Panthers lose a linebacker

    ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that linebacker Frankie Luvu has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with the Commanders. This is another blow to a Carolina defense that is already expected to lose pass rusher Brian Burns.

    Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Former Panthers LB @frankieluvu7 agreed to terms on a 3-year deal with the @commanders for a maximum value of $36 million. The deal was confirmed by agent @blakebaratz at @teamifa. / Twitter"

    Former Panthers LB @frankieluvu7 agreed to terms on a 3-year deal with the @commanders for a maximum value of $36 million. The deal was confirmed by agent @blakebaratz at @teamifa.

  • New team, same coast for TE Will Dissly

    Tight end Will Dissly is joining the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year, $14 million deal according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. Dissly spent his first six NFL seasons with the Seahawks. Last year, he caught 17 passes for 172 yards and a score in 16 games.

    Jordan Schultz on Twitter: "BREAKING: Free agent TE Will Dissly plans to sign with the #Chargers on a 3-year, $14M deal with $10M fully guaranteed, sources tell @BleacherReport.Dissly caught 13 TDs in six seasons with the #Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/3wiMK4cyEf / Twitter"

    BREAKING: Free agent TE Will Dissly plans to sign with the #Chargers on a 3-year, $14M deal with $10M fully guaranteed, sources tell @BleacherReport.Dissly caught 13 TDs in six seasons with the #Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/3wiMK4cyEf

  • Cardinals bring in help up front

    The Arizona Cardinals are adding to their defensive line. According to NFL Network’s Pete Schrager, the Cardinals are signing defensive tackle Justin Jones to a three-year, $30.1 million contract with $19.75 million guaranteed. Jones spent the last two years with the Bears, where he had 7.5 sacks in 34 games.

    Peter Schrager on Twitter: "DT Justin Jones has agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. 3 years, $30.1M, $19.75M Guaranteed. @nflnetwork @NFLonFOX #frenzy #first / Twitter"

    DT Justin Jones has agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. 3 years, $30.1M, $19.75M Guaranteed. @nflnetwork @NFLonFOX #frenzy #first

  • Change of plans!

    Because deals agreed to during the legal tampering period don’t become official until Wednesday, sometimes players change their minds before they put pen to paper. That’s the case for kicker Will Lutz. Earlier in the day on Monday it was reported Lutz planned on signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter he’s changed his mind and now plans on staying put with the Denver Broncos.

    Adam Schefter on Twitter: "First free-agent change: Kicker Will Lutz, who agreed to terms earlier in the day with Jacksonville, changed his mind and is remaining in Denver. Broncos get back their kicker, Jaguars now need one. pic.twitter.com/g7joMDg2QP / Twitter"

    First free-agent change: Kicker Will Lutz, who agreed to terms earlier in the day with Jacksonville, changed his mind and is remaining in Denver. Broncos get back their kicker, Jaguars now need one. pic.twitter.com/g7joMDg2QP

  • 49ers add OLB Leonard Floyd

    The defending NFC champions are bolstering their pass rush. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting the team is signing outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. Last year in Buffalo Floyd tied a career-high with 10.5 sacks. It’s a two-year, $24 million year with $12 million guaranteed in 2024.

    Ian Rapoport on Twitter: "He gets a 2-year, $20M deal worth up to $24M, source said. He gets $12M guaranteed in year 1. https://t.co/CbNrKjsysZ / Twitter"

    He gets a 2-year, $20M deal worth up to $24M, source said. He gets $12M guaranteed in year 1. https://t.co/CbNrKjsysZ

  • QB Gardner Minshew to join Raiders

    Some quarterback news in free agency: Gardner Minshew is expected to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Ian Rapoport. It’s a two-year deal for Minshew, who joins Aidan O’Connell in the Raiders’ reshaped quarterback room.

  • Bengals to sign S Geno Stone

    Free-agent safety Geno Stone is moving to the Ravens’ AFC North rival. As reported by Jordan Schultz, Stone is joining the Cincinnati Bengals. Stone racked up seven interceptions and nine pass breakups last season.

    According to Jeremy Fowler, it’s a two-year deal with a base value of $15 million.

  • Devin Singletary to the Giants

    The New York Giants have dipped into an active running back market. As first reported by Ian Rapoport, they are signing former Texans and Bills running back Devin Singletary. The back reunites with former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who is still the head coach in New York.

    According to Adam Schefter, it’s a three-year deal worth up to $19.5 million.

  • Packers sign S Xavier McKinney

    The Green Bay Packers are making another big splash. They’re expected to sign free-agent safety Xavier McKinney, according to Ian Rapoport. McKinney gets a four-year deal worth up to $68 million.

  • Panthers make big splash at guard

    The Carolina Panthers have made an aggressive move to sign a starting guard. They’re reportedly signing former Dolphins guard Robert Hunt. According to Jordan Schultz, it’s a five-year deal worth up to $100 million with $63M guaranteed.

  • Vikings sign LB Blake Cashman

    The Vikings have made another splash at linebacker. They’re bringing in Minnesota native Blake Cashman. According to Tom Pelissero, it’s a three-year deal worth up to $25.5 million.

  • Patriots sign RB Antonio Gibson

    The Patriots are getting in on the free-agent running back market. As first reported by Ian Rapoport, they’re signing former Commanders running back Antonio Gibson.

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 05: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball after a catch during the first half in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball after a catch during the first half in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

  • Vikings sign Andrew Van Ginkel

    The Vikings have landed a new linebacker. According to Adam Schefter, they’re signing former Dolphins LB Andrew Van Ginkel to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with $14M guaranteed.

  • Saquon Barkley to the Eagles

    The biggest domino in the running back market has fallen. According to multiple reports, Saquon Barkley is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s three years and up to $46.75 million.

  • Kirk Cousins to sign with Falcons

    Finally, we’re off and running in the quarterback market. Kirk Cousins is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. His agent, Mike McCartney, announced the news. It’s a four-year deal, with full numbers likely to come out soon.

    GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 29: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

    GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 29: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

  • Jaguars sign K Will Lutz

    The Jaguars have been busy, and now they find a new kicker for the long-term. According to Ian Rapoport, they’re signing former Saints kicker Will Lutz to a three-year deal. Decent little market for kickers to start things.

  • Eagles to sign DE Bryce Huff

    More turnover on the defensive line for the Eagles: according to Adam Schefter, they’re signing Huff to a three-year deal with a base value of $51.1 million. That would make him the highest-paid non-QB undrafted free agent in NFL history.

  • Packers to sign RB Josh Jacobs

    As first reported by Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers are expected to sign free-agent running back Josh Jacobs. It’ll be interesting to see if Jacobs gets a better deal than was handed to Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift (three years, up to $24 million).

  • Rams sign TE Colby Parkinson

    The dam breaks on the free-agent tight end market: as reported by Tom Pelissero, the Rams are signing TE Colby Parkinson to a three-year deal for up to $22.5 million that includes $15.5 million guaranteed.

  • Rams to sign OG Jonah Jackson

    According to Mike Garafolo, the Los Angeles Rams are signing guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year deal worth up to $51 million with $34M guaranteed. The guard market continues to have a nice start to free agency.

  • Commanders to sign C Tyler Biadasz

    According to Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are expected to sign free agnet center Tyler Biadasz. The former Cowboy reunites with Dan Quinn in D.C.

  • Titans to sign C Lloyd Cushenberry

    The Titans have landed the top center on the market. As reported by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Tennessee is expected to sign free agent Lloyd Cushenberry. The numbers for Cushenberry should be strong, relative to his position.

  • Raiders to sign DT Christian Wilkins

    A big ol’ splash in Las Vegas: as first reported by Ian Rapoport, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is signing with the Raiders. And the numbers are in: four years and a base value of $110 million, with $84.75M guaranteed. Yowza.

  • Jaguars land WR Gabe Davis

    We have our first big wide receiver move of free agency: according to Ian Rapoport, the Jacksonville Jaguars are signing former Bills wideout Gabe Davis to a three-year deal. It’s possible Davis sets the market for Calvin Ridley and other notable names at the position.

    According to Dianna Russini, Davis gets a three-year deal with a base value of $39 million that could bump to $50M through incentives. A reasonable contract for a complementary big-play receiver.

  • Commanders sign Dorance Armstrong

    The Washington Commanders are finalizing a deal for free-agent defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong, as first reported by Jordan Schultz. The 26-year-old Armstrong spent the past six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

  • Broncos sign S Brandon Jones

    As first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Broncos are expected to sign free-agent safety Brandon Jones. Per Jordan Schultz, it’s a three-year deal worth up to $22.5 million. A deep safety market gets its first domino.

  • Titans to sign RB Tony Pollard

    The Titans are moving on from Derrick Henry, and they’ve already landed a replacement atop their running back depth chart. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, they’re bringing in former Cowboys RB Tony Pollard. Per Josina Anderson, the deal is for three years.

  • Vikings sign EDGE Jonathan Greenard

    The Minnesota Vikings are signing an edge defender not named Danielle Hunter. As first reported by Tom Pelissero, they’re bringing in EDGE Jonathan Greenard. Hunter, meanwhile, is likely to sign elsewhere as a free agent, now.

    According to Adam Schefter, Greenard’s deal with the Vikings is for four years and up to $76 million, with $42 million guaranteed.

  • Bears sign D’Andre Swift

    12:12 p.m.: As first reported by Ian Rapoport, the Chicago Bears are expected to sign free-agent running back D’Andre Swift. The first big-name RB is off the market, 12 minutes into legal tampering. Per Rapoport, it’s a three-year deal worth up to $24 million.

    The Eagles will likely be in the market for another free-agent running back now. They’re reportedly expected to make a push to sign Saquon Barkley.

  • Former Bills center Mitch Morse quickly found a new home. He’s agreed to a two-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth up to $10.5 million. The contract includes $7 million guaranteed. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the deal Monday morning.

Nick Gemelli, the wizard behind the scenes at Toucher & Hardy and a maestro on 985thesportshub.com, kicked off his radio escapade back in 2007 as an intern for Toucher & Rich on WBCN. After navigating through WFNX and the Boston Phoenix, he made a triumphant return to the show in 2016. Hailing from Marshfield but currently holding it down in Tewksbury, Nick’s radio journey is as dynamic as his Twitter feed. Nick writes about what happens on the Toucher & Hardy Show and Boston area lifestyle content.

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