Report: Jaguars Trade For Former New England Patriots QB Mac Jones

The Jaguars have added the former Patriots first-round bust as a backup quarterback.

Mac Jones is coming home.

The former Bolles graduate and Jacksonville native will be heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the Jaguars sending the New England Patriots a sixth-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Jones, who turns 26 in September, will now figure to be Trevor Lawrence's backup after the two were both first round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jaguars also have veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard still rostered for one more year, but Beathard could now be cut with Jones taking the role over. 

Jones was the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Alabama. His rookie year was his best season in New England, with Jones going 10-7 as a starter and throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. 

Jones regressed in 2022, going 6-8 in 14 starts and throwing for 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. 

Jones' swan song with the Patriots came in 2023, with the former first round pick starting 11 games and going 2-9 in the process before heading for the bench. In his third season, Jones threw for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. 

Now, the Jaguars will be sitting with eight picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and will take on a $2,785,412 cap hit for Jones. The Jaguars also control the rights over Jones' fifth-year option, though this will surely be declined. 

The Jaguars will move forward with Jones as Lawrence's backup, meaning a new start for Jones and more insurance for Lawrence, who sustained four injuries last season.