FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 03: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
On Sunday, the New England Patriots officially ended the mostly disappointing Mac Jones era by unloading the former 2021 first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jones was traded to the Jaguars today in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in next month’s draft. The 25-year-old will now serve as a backup to Trevor Lawrence in Duval County before hitting free agency next year, assuming the Jaguars decline the fifth-year option on Jones’ rookie deal.

According to a report from Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, Jones appears pleased with the trade to the Jaguars. A source told Daniels that Jones “is looking forward to the next challenge.”

The Patriots selected Jones 15th overall in 2021, hoping he would serve as the long-term solution at QB. Jones had a superb rookie year by completing 67.6 percent of pass attempts for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns against only 13 interceptions. He led New England to 10 wins and a playoff berth, though they fell to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round.

But over the next two years, Jones’ play rapidly regressed. He went 8-17-0 as a starting QB, with 24 touchdowns against 23 interceptions.