Former NFL MVP Praises Jaguars' Mac Jones Trade
The Jacksonville Jaguars made minor shockwaves in the NFL by trading a 6th-round pick for former New England Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones.
Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan shared his thoughts on the Jaguars' trade on Up & Adams on Monday morning.
With Trevor Lawrence's injury scares during the 2023 season, Ryan believes that Jones' experience as a starter could prove valuable if Lawrence does miss more games in 2024. For Ryan, a 6th-round pick for a former NFL starter is a low-risk high-reward move that could pay dividends if the necessity ever arises.
"I view it as no downside. You know, you talk about giving up a sixth-round pick. This was a first-round pick just a couple of years ago that was in a Pro Bowl," Ryan said.
"Given the circumstances that went on in New England too, you know, I think it is hard to have a complete picture of what Mac Jones is as a quarterback in this league. To me, you know, Trevor Lawrence had those injury issues at the end of last season. He toughed it out and he gutted through it, which is admirable. But you never know when that's going to happen."
Jones, who was drafted with the 15th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was widely regarded as the most "pro-ready" quarterback available outside of Lawrence, who was the 1st overall pick.
As a rookie, Jones threw for a solid 3801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions at a 67.6% completion rate, leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. In the two years since, Jones has seemed like a completely different player, posting a combined 24 touchdowns and 23 interceptions with New England going 8-17.
Though his steep decline is likely due to both his situation with the Patriots and his personal play, a fresh start for his hometown team could help Jones recalibrate.
