No, the New England Patriots did not cut quarterback Mac Jones; instead, they traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mac Jones' Departure from the New England Patriots
While some reports indicated the New England Patriots "cut ties" with Mac Jones, his departure was specifically a trade, not a release or being "cut" in the traditional sense. A player who is "cut" becomes a free agent, whereas a trade involves exchanging a player's contractual rights for compensation, typically draft picks or other players.
The Patriots moved Jones in exchange for a late-round pick, allowing him to begin a new chapter with the Jaguars.
Understanding the Transaction
The transition of Mac Jones from New England to Jacksonville involved a direct exchange between the two NFL teams. This type of transaction is common in professional sports and differs significantly from a player being outright released.
Here are the key details of the transaction:
- Player Involved: Mac Jones
- Previous Team: New England Patriots
- New Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Type of Transaction: Trade
- Compensation to Patriots: A late-round draft pick
Mac Jones' Tenure in New England
Mac Jones was a first-round pick for the Patriots, and his time with the team concluded after a challenging 2023 season. During his final season, he started 11 games for New England, finishing with a 2-9 record. This performance was part of a tough period for both Jones and the Patriots organization, ultimately leading to the decision to move him to another team.
- Key Highlights of his 2023 Season with Patriots:
- Started 11 games.
- Recorded a 2-9 record as a starter.
- His performance contributed to the team's decision to facilitate a trade.
This move provides Mac Jones with a fresh start in Jacksonville, allowing him to contribute to a new team's offense. You can learn more about player transactions in the NFL here.
| Player | Former Team | New Team | Transaction Type | Compensation for Former Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Jones | New England Patriots | Jacksonville Jaguars | Trade | Late-round pick |
