Patriots Teammates React to Mac Jones Trade Rumors
What happened to the approach of turning the page on the 2022 season for the New England Patriots?
So far, it seems that this offseason has been anything but that, as reports have surfaced about head coach Bill Belichick's grudge against quarterback Mac Jones for how he conducted himself last season. It isn't just disappointment; it has turned into the Patriots even trying to trade him.
But a new report from NBC Sports has shed some light on the drama spreading through the locker room.
"I've spoken to players who are not happy that this is in the news, that the Patriots and their potential interest in trading Mac Jones is out there in the public sphere," NBC's Phil Perry said. "They aren't happy on Mac's behalf; they aren't happy, period, on their own behalf. They're not happy that 2022 is bleeding into 2023."
The tensions between Jones and Belichick date back to last season, when the second-year quarterback's on-field antics were seen as unbecoming of a franchise quarterback. This part can be understood because a quarterback, a leadership position on the team, should be even-keeled on the field.
But that isn't all, apparently; what has Belichick upset is how Jones went outside of the Patriots' offices to seek help during a season where he and the offense as a whole struggled.
While Perry added that other folks on the Patriots' payroll understand why Jones went outside of the organization for help, Belichick apparently doesn't.
Despite the reported anger on Belichick's side of things, the Patriots have done some work to improve offensively. Starting with bringing back veteran offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien for another stint in Foxboro. Then they added playmakers in wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki.
With the offseason the Patriots have had thus far, it seems trading Jones would be counterproductive, and his teammates are not on board with the trade rumors.
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