The probability of the Patriots picking up Mac Jones’ fifth-year option used to be already slim, as persistent struggles saw him demoted to a wholesome inactive at the conclusion of last season.
It might have simply gotten even slimmer, though.
NFL franchises have until May two to workout the fifth-year alternative built into the contracts of first-round selections from the 2021 NFL Draft. The figures have been launched Friday, and Jones’ number is pretty hefty. It would value the Patriots just north of $25 million to workout his option, as the 25-year-old failed to be chosen to a Pro Bowl on the first ballot at some point of his first three seasons, making the roster in 2021 as an injury alternate.
It’s already been suggested New England has no intentions of selecting up Jones’ option, and in all likelihood he’ll be long gone by way of the starting of the 2024 season. If the Patriots pick out not to preserve him around, it makes it all the more likely they maneuver for a long-term signal-caller this offseason. That ought to come in the draft, free organization or via a trade.
The Patriots remaining picked up a fifth-year choice in 2021, locking Isaiah Wynn into a deal for the 2022 season.
