Patriots could soon face a revived first round pick they never expected

"The New England Patriots found their new star quarterback for the next decade or more in Drake Maye, but before the UNC standout landed in New England, there were years of turmoil. After Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots signed Cam Newton, who was succeeded by Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Eventually, the team opted for Jacoby Brissett to start the year in 2024 before Maye took the reins and never looked back."

"In 2021, however, the hype around Mac Jones was at an all-time high. The Alabama star finished second in OROY voting and finished the year with 22 touchdowns to 13 interceptions and over 3,800 yards. He led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, but an 8-9 finish in 2022 would reveal doubters. 2023 saw an even further drop off, and he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars."

"In his lone year in Jacksonville, he finished with nine touchdowns and nine turnovers in ten games played while sporting a 65.3% completion rate. Jones signed with the Niners this offseason as a backup to Brock Purdy, but has stood out in Mr. Irrelevant's absence. In eight starts, he has 2,100 yards and a completion rate just shy of 70%. He has 13 touchdowns to six interceptions, and was 5-3 in Purdy's absence."

The New England Patriots settled on Drake Maye as their long-term quarterback after several seasons of instability following Tom Brady's departure. The team cycled through Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and used Jacoby Brissett as a bridge before Maye became the 2024 starter. Mac Jones peaked in 2021 with 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and over 3,800 yards while finishing second in OROY voting and leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. Declines in 2022 and 2023 led to a trade to Jacksonville, where he posted nine touchdowns, nine turnovers and a 65.3% completion rate in ten games. Jones signed with the 49ers as Brock Purdy's backup and, in eight starts, produced 2,100 yards, nearly 70% completion, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 5-3 record. Trade speculation places Jones as a possible Jets starter in 2026 amid doubts about Justin Fields and the temporary presence of Tyrod Taylor.

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