Ex-Patriots QB Mac Jones seems relieved to join Jaguars

Following a lackluster run with the New England Patriots, Mac Jones couldn't be happier for a fresh start with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Speaking with reporters during his introductory news conference on Thursday, Jones seemed ready to turn the page when asked about his time with the Patriots. 

"Learned from a great coach, obviously, one of the greatest of all time," Jones said via the Jaguars. "Obviously, things went the way they did, and my goal was to kind of get the train back on the tracks. So, I think I can do that here."

Selected 15th overall by the Patriots in 2021, many tabbed Jones as the next face of the franchise. However, his relationship with head coach Bill Belichick began to sour midway through his second year. 

Things came to a head last season when Belichick decided to bench the former Alabama standout for the final six games of the regular season. Ultimately, the Patriots – now led by HC Jarod Mayo – dealt Jones to the Jaguars in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round draft pick.

With reports of a "toxic" environment in the Patriots quarterback room, a change of scenery could be good for Jones. 

Over 42 starts in New England, Jones went 18-24 while losing his lone postseason game. Luckily, Jacksonville didn't acquire him to carry the load, as he's simply an insurance policy with star Trevor Lawrence in tow. 

For the Jaguars, trading a late-round pick for a former first-round selection is well worth the risk. Meanwhile, for Jones, the embattled quarterback is offered a clean slate to thrive should the opportunity present itself. 

Regardless of where Jones' next shot comes, whether with the Jaguars or another team, he seems relieved to know it'll happen outside of Foxborough.