If Mac Jones-Patriots Relationship Is Broken, Could QB Move On In 2023? 

The recent handlings of the quarterback situation by coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have created a controversy that seemingly isn’t going away. And second-year signal-caller Mac Jones is at the center of it.

In what started as half-hearted talks about whether fourth-round rookie Bailey Zappe should take over for Jones now has evolved into something far greater given the recent mismanagement on “Monday Night Football.” During the primetime clash against the Chicago Bears, Jones, who was returning after a three-game injured-related absence, was pulled after three offensive series with Zappe then playing the remainder of the contest. Belichick explained how it was part of his plan all along while some Patriots players expressed they didn’t know Jones would be pulled from the game.

With those events playing out for all to see, some now are questioning how Jones’ confidence might be impacted given the fact he was pulled off the field to boos from fans at Gillette Stadium. The offense started with a pair of three-and-outs before Jones’ third possession ended in an interception, his final snap. Former Patriot and current NFL analyst Ted Johnson, specifically, is wondering if that reaction from fans will stick with the 2021 first-rounder moving forward, perhaps leading to him feel a different way about the New England experience.

But another development which surfaced Wednesday morning might be the most surprising, and also the most telling. NFL insider Jason La Canfora shared how an anonymous general manager believes Jones could be available for trade before the NFL combine in April. The NFL GM, according to La Canfora, believes a trade could come to fruition regardless of how Zappe looks, and instead based on Jones produces (or fails to produce) in his opportunities this season.

All told, it begs the question: Could Jones really be traded after the season and play for someone else in 2023?

At first glance, it’s obviously rather crazy.

Jones, after all, was the runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, helping the Patriots to seven straight victories and a NFL postseason berth. He was drafted No. 15 overall just one year ago with expectations he would be New England’s quarterback of the future.

… But crazy things have happened in the NFL, right?

Oddsmakers at Bookies.com have bought into the theory while sharing hypothetical odds for Jones’ next team in 2023. It’s worth noting the Patriots remain the favorite at -200, a 66.7% probability, while other listed teams include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-to-1, 14.3%), Detroit Lions (12-to-1, 7.7%), Indianapolis Colts (20-to-1, 4.7%), Carolina Panthers (25-to-1, 3.8%), Washington Commanders (39-to-1, 2.5%) and “The Field” (10-to-1, 9%). Again, these are hypothetical odds and can not be found at a sportsbook, but the thought certainly furthers the conversation.

Of course, Jones’ relationship with the Patriots likely can be salvaged. The quarterback himself expressed publicly how he didn’t have any problem with Belichick’s decision to pull him after three drives. Jones, too, said it was part of the plan and praised Belichick for keeping him informed about the decision.

Belichick on Wednesday declined to share who would start for the Patriots when New England takes on the New York Jets in a Week 8 matchup. One might imagine Jones earning the start and helping the Patriots get back to .500 would help any future speculation from oddsmakers or NFL analysts.

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