New England Patriots are ‘not going to activate the fifth-year option’ in Mac Jones’ contract… leaving the struggling QB facing a $20m pay cut – and then free agency next year!
- He was benched several times during the season due to atrocious performances
- The Patriots are armed with the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft
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The New England Patriots will decline the fifth-year option on quarterback Mac Jones’ contract. according to Mark Daniels of Mass Live.
If the Patriots were to activate the option in the 25-year-old’s contract, he would be guaranteed $23 million, but will instead play the 2024 season with a base salary of $2.785 million before becoming a free agent in 2025.
The future of the 2021 Pro Bowler has been in doubt this year’s offseason after Jones was benched multiple times throughout the season due to abysmal on-field performance.
Jones started 11 games for the 4-13 Patriots and his statistical line at the end of the season was 224-345, 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. During the 11 games, Jones was under center, the Patriots’ record was 2-9.
During his three seasons in the NFL, Jones had three different offensive coordinators and will have his fourth OC in four years following Bill O’Brien’s departure for Ohio State University.
The New England Patriots are unlikely to activate the fifth-year option on Mac Jones’ contract
Jones finished the season with 224-345, 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions
He was benched several times during the regular season due to atrocious performances
The constant change in the offense has likely had a negative effect on Jones, whose performance has declined during his second and third seasons.
During his first season in the league, Jones led the Patriots to a 10–7 record after receiving plenty of help from a very strong New England defense.
He finished his rookie year with a 67.6 completion percentage, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 3,801 yards.
Since the Patriots have named Jerod Mayo as the team’s new head coach, Jones may be able to enter the offseason with a clean slate, although the team’s possession of the No. 3 pick in this year’s NFL Draft puts the Patriots in a prime position to to select a replacement for Jones.
That clean slate could potentially make a world of difference for Jones, who repeatedly had a “non-existent” relationship with former head coach Bill Belichick.