Mac Jones is now coming up in trade rumors, and Bill Belichick has not endorsed the 2021 first-round pick. In fact, he has reportedly been trying to rid himself of him this offseason.
Despite reports New England wants to keep building around Jones ahead of the QB’s third season, Belichick is still upset with Jones over his decision to seek outside counsel in 2022. Not only that, but the coach has spearheaded efforts to trade Jones this offseason, according to ProFootballTalk.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been publicly supportive of Jones, but it hasn’t stopped Belichick from shopping the QB to multiple teams, Mike Florio reported Tuesday.
Rob Gronkowski, who knows Bill Belichick very well, is now weighing in on the rumors.
The former Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end said during a Wednesday appearance on Up And Adams that he believes the report that Jones is being shopped is “fake news.”
“I think that was fake news,” Gronkowski said. “There was just too much turnover this year. I mean, he already got a new offensive coordinator that he brought into place. Just the whole offensive staff was basically turned over this year. And then if you’re shifting your quarterback, that’s just too much turnover to have in the NFL in one season.”
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The teams mentioned in Tuesday’s report — the Buccaneers, Commanders, Raiders, and Texans — have not seemed to indicate they had any discussions about Jones. This certainly raises the stakes for Jones’ 2023, as he took a major step back last year with his progress.
Even at 24, as a former top-15 pick and Pro Bowl selection, Jones probably wouldn’t bring back a ton of value in any trade. He was solid but unspectacular as a rookie, then regressed as he publicly feuded on the field with his coaches over the offense. Jones threw 14 touchdowns to 11 interceptions during a 6-8 stretch as the starter.
The 2023 season is going to be n important one.
