Could Mac Jones Have Requested Trade From Patriots Given Reports?

Mac Jones reportedly was — and maybe still is? — just as frustrated with Bill Belichick as Bill Belichick is with Mac Jones.

ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio indicated as much Tuesday when he reported Jones was irked about being the “guinea pig” for Belichick’s “unrestrained hubris.” Patriots reporter Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports followed up Florio’s report and shared the “tension is real” and it “goes both ways.”

Those two sentiments, coupled with Florio’s report about how Belichick and the Patriots have included Jones in trade talks this offseason, allow us to put on our tinfoil hats for a minute.

Could the Patriots including Jones in trade talks be them fulfilling his request?

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Slim chance in that, right? Well, maybe.

After all, we’re talking about a 2021 first-rounder who was railroaded by Belichick and New England’s coaching staff in his sophomore season. And given the fact Jones was on an upward trajectory after his rookie season — let’s remember he was the runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year — it’s fair for him to be discouraged with how the 2023 campaign played out. It’s an entirely different narrative now. Jones’ on-field frustrations made that crystal clear to the public, so much so that ESPN’s Troy Aikman and Joe Buck had a conversation about it in primetime.

Belichick might have further irritated Jones with his handling of the starting quarterback situation as recently as last week. Jones, who was thought to be the franchise’s long-term answer when selected No. 15 overall, has not had the public support of Belichick since the 2022 preseason. Belichick repeatedly has turned down opportunities to name Jones the starter, as he did last week. Instead, Belichick referred to Jones as having the “ability to play quarterback in this league” at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign. It couldn’t have been much worse of a sentiment.

None of this is to say Belichick shouldn’t be irritated by Jones, too. Especially if the reports of Jones seeking outside counsel for New England’s offense are true. And the organization’s reported feelings about Jones’ outbursts are fair, as well.

But it’s worth digesting how the frustration reportedly was — and is? — from both sides. Jones wasn’t happy with the position he found himself in; perhaps he’s still not. With Jones’ second contract closer by the day, it’s fair to wonder whether he could have requested out from under Belichick. And that surely would’ve prompted the Patriots to have trade conversations.

It’s worth noting, though, another report surfaced Tuesday pouring cold water on any Jones-related trade rumors.