written by: CHUCK GEORGE/outlook news
photos by: JUAN MOORE/outlook news
Mac Jones is embarking on a new chapter in his NFL career, having been traded from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. The former first-round pick is embracing the opportunity to reignite his professional prospects with his hometown team.
After a tumultuous exit from the Patriots, where Jones failed to live up to expectations as the heir apparent to Tom Brady, the young quarterback is eager to rediscover the form that made him a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2021. Joining the Jaguars provides Jones with a clean slate and the chance to flourish under the guidance of head coach Doug Pederson.
“I think the change of scenery for him is good. “Coming back home to Jacksonville is good. He’s in a great quarterback room. He’s being taught ball here. (Quarterbacks coach) Mike McCoy does a great job of getting guys equal reps. There’s something to be said for starting over. In this case, I think it’s a positive to change venues.”
The Jaguars’ quarterback situation provides the ideal environment for Jones to recalibrate his career. As the backup to Trevor Lawrence, the 2021 first overall pick, Jones can learn from the Jaguars’ incumbent starter while also taking pressure off himself to perform immediately.
Lawrence, who has known Jones since their high school days, has already formed a strong rapport with his new teammate. The two have confided in each other about how Pederson has helped reshape their outlooks after tumultuous starts to their NFL careers.
“We’ve both been through a lot in our own ways,” Jones said. “(Lawrence) has done a good job getting back on his feet, obviously, with the (recently signed five-year, $275 million) contract, taking them to the playoffs (in 2022), and playing really good football. It just shows you football is a game of ebbs and flows. At some point, it’s going to come your way if you keep working for it. I know that’ll happen.”
Pederson’s coaching staff, which features former NFL quarterbacks in Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor, has also played a crucial role in helping Jones find his footing. The Jaguars’ quarterback-centric approach has resonated with Jones, who appreciates the staff’s firsthand understanding of the position.
“When they preach about certain fundamentals or reads or throws, there’s a high level of trust from the players that the message is coming from a place of relatable experience,” Jones said. “They know what it’s like to be back there. Not just the quarterbacks, but everyone kind of thinks like a quarterback in this offense. You’ve got to be smart. You’ve got to know what the quarterback is thinking. It also allows the quarterback to be free and play fast. You can see that with Trevor the past couple of years.”
While Jones’ primary role will be as Lawrence’s understudy, the Jaguars signed him with the intent of bolstering their quarterback depth. If Lawrence were to miss time due to injury, as he did during the second half of the 2023 season, Jones would be ready to step in and lead the offense.
In the meantime, Jones is embracing his role as a mentor, volunteering to work with younger players and help them develop. His time with the Patriots taught him the value of camaraderie and teamwork, and he’s eager to pass on that knowledge to his new teammates.
“If they need to catch extra passes or stay later to watch more film, I’ve volunteered to work with them,” Jones said. “It’s like my rookie season with the Patriots when an inexperienced group forged a strong bond to exceed expectations and reach the playoffs. I just want to go out there and put on a show and bring other people with me. Bring maybe a rookie undrafted kid who has a chance to make the team: ‘Hey, how can you get better? How can I help you?’ Whatever I can do to bring those guys along. I think when you elevate the young guys, it pushes everybody.”
Jones’ enthusiasm and energy have been evident during his early days with the Jaguars, a stark contrast to the more stifled version of himself that emerged during his final season with the Patriots. Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke have both praised Jones’ infectious attitude and love for the game, describing him as a “football junky.”
As Jones embarks on this new chapter, he’s focused on recapturing the free-spirited playing style that made him successful as a rookie. He’s determined to “put on a show” for his teammates and the Jaguars’ fanbase, embracing the responsibility of being the quarterback and orchestrating an entertaining and productive offense.
“Honestly, it’s most importantly about putting points on the board and getting fans and your teammates excited,” Jones explained. “Try to get them the ball. Try to let them score. That creates the energy. It’s all about putting on a show. You’re out there as a performer, right? You’re the quarterback orchestrating a performance.”
With a fresh start in Jacksonville and the guidance of Pederson’s staff, Jones is poised to write the next chapter of his NFL career. The path to redemption won’t be easy, but the Jaguars have provided him with the perfect environment to revive his promise and recapture the magic that made him a first-round pick just two years ago.