According to Mark Daniels of Masslive, the Patriots do not plan to pick up Mac Jones fifth year option in May. 

The news is not a surprise as it was expected that the Patriots would not pick up the option and would be looking to move on from the 2021 first round pick. 

After a good rookie season in 2021, Jones regressed under the tutelage of Matt Patricia in 2022 and Bill O’Brien last season. Last season was especially difficult as Jones struggled for most of the season and was benched for the final four games. 

It was so bad in fact, that Jones was not on speaking terms with Bill Belichick or most of the staff. Jones vanished and was only seen at practice or on game day. 

With Belichick gone and Jerod Mayo taking over, the Patriots are going to want a fresh start and that includes the quarterback position. With this year’s quarterback class boasting three elite level talents at the top of the draft, the Patriots are well positioned to replace Jones with the third overall pick.

Mac’s tenure with the Patriots is over. It was a tumultuous one and while you can argue that he wasn’t set up to succeed, Jones did not help himself with his inconsistent play, poor decision making and bad attitude. 

Parting ways is the only sensible solution moving forward. For both parties. 

You hope for Jones sake that he ends up in a situation where he can develop and surrounded by talent. If he does not, his career could be over.