Mac Jones, the New England Patriots' 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, isn't a lock to be the Patriots' starting quarterback in 2023, according to head coach Bill Belichick.
Not only could Jones lose his spot as New England's starter, but he could be wearing a different jersey in 2023, entering his third NFL season. Even though there have been reports that the Patriots see Jones as their future at quarterback, Belichick is angry with Jones, specifically his use of coaching outside of the team amid a dysfunctional season in which longtime defensive coach Matt Patricia was the offensive play-caller in 2022, per NBC Sports. Belichick has reportedly even been the initiator of internal discussions to trade Jones during the offseason, according to ProFootballTalk.
Mac Jones
With that in mind, here are 10 potential successors to Jones in New England in the event the Patriots follow through and trade him:
Free agency options
Carson Wentz
Signing 30-year-old Carson Wentz would be akin to what the Patriots did in 2020 when they signed then-31-year-old Cam Newton: paying an injury-riddled, former top-two overall draft pick for past production. Wentz completed 62.3% of his passes for 1,755 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and an 80.2 passer rating last season. He lost his job in Washington under Ron Rivera, Newton's former longtime head coach, after a finger injury on his throwing hand caused him to miss time. Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke came in off the bench and won over the locker room, a common occurrence in Wentz's career.
This is the move if Belichick and company are looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft, which will likely have a quarterback class that includes 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and USC quarterback Caleb Williams, as well as North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
Teddy Bridgewater
At 30 years old, Teddy Bridgewater has evolved into the solid, yet unspectacular mentor/backup phase of his career. He threw four touchdowns and four interceptions in five games (two starts) in 2022.