When the Jacksonville Jaguars acquired quarterback Mac Jones from the New England Patriots this past offseason for a mere sixth-round draft pick, the plan was for the former first-rounder to serve as a backup to franchise cornerstone Trevor Lawrence. However, with Lawrence now sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 campaign due to shoulder and head injuries, Jones suddenly finds himself thrust into the starting role – and a prime opportunity to audition for his next contract.
From Patriot to Jaguar: Jones’ Road to Jacksonville
Selected 10th overall by the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones arrived in New England with high expectations. However, his tenure with the Pats was tumultuous, marked by inconsistent play and a falling out with the coaching staff. After spending the final six games of the 2023 season on the bench, Jones was shipped to Jacksonville in March 2024 for a day three draft pick – a stunning fall from grace for a recent first-round selection.
Now, with Lawrence’s injuries thrusting him into the spotlight in Jacksonville, Jones has a three-game window to showcase his skills and prove he deserves another chance as a starting quarterback in the NFL. It’s a high-stakes audition that could determine the trajectory of his career and earning potential as he enters free agency in 2025.
Flashes of Potential Amidst Growing Pains
In his four starts and three relief appearances for the Jaguars, Jones has displayed glimpses of the talent that made him a first-round pick. He’s completed 65.7% of his passes for 1,026 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, the young signal-caller has also struggled with ball security, tossing 7 interceptions over that span.
“I’m trying to focus on the now and the present… I understand that this league is about opportunity and we have a great one this week.”
Mac Jones on his approach to the final three games
Despite the uneven performances, Jones has shown growth in recent weeks. In last Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, he posted a season-high 294 passing yards – his highest output since the 2023 opener with New England – and led Jacksonville to their first opening-drive touchdown in over a calendar year. While the final result was disappointing, the arrow appears to be pointing up for the young QB.
An Offensive Crash Course
Complicating matters for Jones is the fact that Jacksonville’s offensive scheme marks the fifth system he’s had to learn in his four NFL seasons. The constant turnover and lack of continuity would be a challenge for any young passer. To Jones’ credit, he’s embraced the opportunity to expand his knowledge and add new concepts to his repertoire.
“Your resume is your tape… If you’re in-season, it’s just week-to-week. You don’t ever really pick your head up and think about what’s next or what happened. If you do that, you’re going to fall behind.”
Jaguars OC Press Taylor on Jones’ approach
The Road Ahead: A Daunting Audition
Jones will have his work cut out for him to impress potential suitors over the season’s final three games. The Jaguars face two top-12 defenses in the Raiders and Titans before a finale against the Colts’ 28th-ranked unit. Performing well against the stiff competition in Las Vegas and Tennessee could go a long way in convincing QB-needy teams that the 24-year-old is worth a flier – and a solid contract – this coming offseason.
- Week 16: at Las Vegas Raiders (#12 total defense, #9 pass defense)
- Week 17: vs Tennessee Titans (#2 total defense, #3 pass defense)
- Week 18: at Indianapolis Colts (#28 total defense, #23 pass defense)
Regardless of how the offseason plays out, Jones is focused on making the most of his time in Jacksonville. As a childhood Jaguars fan growing up in the area, donning the teal and black is a dream come true – even under less than ideal circumstances. With a positive attitude and a prime opportunity to prove his worth, Jones is ready to let his play do the talking.
“I’ve been fortunate to be here and made a lot of great friendships – coaches, players, people around the building that I’ve known for a long time, which is kind of fun. I’m going to just finish this thing strong and hope everyone else does the same. I know they will.”
Mac Jones on his Jacksonville experience
As Jones prepares for the stretch run and the chance to write the next chapter of his NFL story, all eyes will be on the young quarterback. Will he seize the moment and secure a lucrative payday this spring? Or will his inconsistencies relegate him to backup duty wherever he lands? The Jaguars’ season may be lost, but for Mac Jones, the future starts now.
