Mac's Future
- Thread starter TomRicardo
- Start date
While I don't think a single person here thinks he is the long term solution, there is no point in cutting him. Perhaps if you can get something of value you trade him, but I'm all for exploring all possible opportunities in the offseason and seeing what happens. Maybe that means drafting someone like Maye in the top 5. If that happens, I could still see keeping Mac and even starting him and not throwing Maye to the wolves.
I voted to keep him and draft a new QB.
Ultimately I'd keep him, decline the fifth year option and spend this offseason searching for the new guy whether that's via the draft, free agency or trade. If nothing materializes, he's gone for 2025 and they continue the search.
Ultimately I'd keep him, decline the fifth year option and spend this offseason searching for the new guy whether that's via the draft, free agency or trade. If nothing materializes, he's gone for 2025 and they continue the search.
Absolutely keep him. Rookie contract. See if you can find someone else in the draft to plan for the future.
Does "I don't know" have a place in this poll? Because I don't know.
I get all the SJH takes -- Mac has mechanical problems, his decision-making is problematic, he might even be a dirty player.
But I'm just not sure how many of his problems are due to him or a host of things that we've beaten to death (OL health/performance, receiver quality, three OC's in three years, bad injury luck, etc.). So while moving on from him to me makes some sense I'm not entirely sure if Mac's 100% of the problem or if he's even part of the problem. And if I'm being honest, I'm not sure if anyone does who isn't in the locker room. It's just really hard to know because of all the issues.
So I vote I don't know.
I get all the SJH takes -- Mac has mechanical problems, his decision-making is problematic, he might even be a dirty player.
But I'm just not sure how many of his problems are due to him or a host of things that we've beaten to death (OL health/performance, receiver quality, three OC's in three years, bad injury luck, etc.). So while moving on from him to me makes some sense I'm not entirely sure if Mac's 100% of the problem or if he's even part of the problem. And if I'm being honest, I'm not sure if anyone does who isn't in the locker room. It's just really hard to know because of all the issues.
So I vote I don't know.
Yeah, I think this is the logical thing to to do. Given the depth of the problems on the offense, it also wouldn't surprise me if they don't even go QB with their first pick.
Keep him but draft a QB. It's time.
I've been critical of Mac going back to last year, but I've never cared to parse how much he's to blame. The question for me has always been something like can he lead us to the AFC championship game and play well in it? The answer (to me) is clearly no, and so the precise degree of his shittiness isn't relevant. Time to Mo Vaughn.
I've been critical of Mac going back to last year, but I've never cared to parse how much he's to blame. The question for me has always been something like can he lead us to the AFC championship game and play well in it? The answer (to me) is clearly no, and so the precise degree of his shittiness isn't relevant. Time to Mo Vaughn.
This is where I stand on this. You simply can't cut the guy given his contract. If you can't get the guy you like in the draft this year, you start building the offense, draft a project QB, and roll it back with Mac again and a better offense. You don't pick up Mac's option, and then if you don't like that project QB, you go after another in 2024, then another in 2025.
I think Mac's days in New England are numbered, but unless someone throws an offer out that the Pats can't ignore in a trade, he's the QB of the Pats in 2024 barring a really high draft pick on a QB this offseason who shows out in training camp.
Now that the Oline is functioning I’ll give Mac the rest of the year to see whether I draft or build. Didn’t really see that one.
My preference would be either of the last two. You can't really expect to draft and develop a QB with the offense as it stands. I'd rather see them load the offense during the next off-season and increase the chances of success for the next guy, and maybe do it again the following season depending on who's out there to sign or draft at QB.
He's perfect for tanking. After the Pats secure a top pick then they can let him mop up the bathrooms. Although he'd probably screw that up too.
There's no point in cutting him and I trust that Zappe can't beat him out for the job and would be worse. So play him and draft a QB.
That said, I don't think I can watch the games anymore if he's going to be the QB. It is just too frustrating. It's not all his fault as has been beaten to death endlessly in the other thread, but to me he's quite clearly part of the problem not part of the solution on offense.
That said, I don't think I can watch the games anymore if he's going to be the QB. It is just too frustrating. It's not all his fault as has been beaten to death endlessly in the other thread, but to me he's quite clearly part of the problem not part of the solution on offense.
See, we can agree on something!
If I were a betting man, I'd bet he is the starting QB in week 1 in 2024.
Trade him for a 5th/6th value and move on, even with the low base salary (which is why you're getting anything for him to begin with). Draft 2 QBs, one in the top of the 1st, and another in the 4th-6th range, maybe sign a 3rd veteran for cheapish and start anew. Mac is just a waste of time at this point.
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No need to cut him. He’s cheap for one more year. Draft a replacement or better skill players on offense and then he gone after year 4. No way no how should they even think about picking up the option.
I've been largely agnostic w/r/t Mac because the problems are systemic and multifactorial. Solid defense, now trending down toward the middle third due to key injuries. Special teams have been abysmal - which is quite honestly shocking given BB's traditional approach. The offense? Where to start? A huge organizational failure from the top down.
For me, Mac's dreadful footwork, weak-ish arm and his inability to elevate his game or his teammates are death knells for the NFL. If a QB has such a poor grasp of fundamentals, footwork, football IQ AND a below average arm - I just don't see that player having an impact on a team with deep playoff aspirations. Most athletic activities require a strong base, which requires excellent footwork. His is atrocious. I'm no QB expert but this seems a fatal and (at this stage in his development) an unfixable trait.
The QB draft is such a crapshoot. I'd rather a trade for an NFL quality starter but I'm not sure who that is or who will become available. One dark horse I've always liked for a BB team is Heinicke. I know he was in the Patriots camp a few years back so maybe they saw some stuff they didn't like. But I saw him a ton at ODU and Was. He's got an arm and a lot of grit. Not sure what his future is in Atlanta now.
Edit: I mean as an open competition thing for Heinicke - not QB1.
For me, Mac's dreadful footwork, weak-ish arm and his inability to elevate his game or his teammates are death knells for the NFL. If a QB has such a poor grasp of fundamentals, footwork, football IQ AND a below average arm - I just don't see that player having an impact on a team with deep playoff aspirations. Most athletic activities require a strong base, which requires excellent footwork. His is atrocious. I'm no QB expert but this seems a fatal and (at this stage in his development) an unfixable trait.
The QB draft is such a crapshoot. I'd rather a trade for an NFL quality starter but I'm not sure who that is or who will become available. One dark horse I've always liked for a BB team is Heinicke. I know he was in the Patriots camp a few years back so maybe they saw some stuff they didn't like. But I saw him a ton at ODU and Was. He's got an arm and a lot of grit. Not sure what his future is in Atlanta now.
Edit: I mean as an open competition thing for Heinicke - not QB1.
I would draft another QB and sign a stop gap veteran. The veteran QB will be a guy that knows the offense of the new head coach, and can help teach the kid that I would draft.
I'd keep Mac for next year, use draft capital to try to load up on modern NFL offensive weapons and lineman. If a QB you like is at the top of your board when you are picking and is still available go QB, do not reach for one. Go best offensive player available in every round. Also, get help from outside the current braintrust to scout and setup your draft board, what you are doing now isn't working.
I voted 4th year for Mac, draft a QB and let him learn the position for the year.
The worst part of this team, aside from the suck, is that they are boring. Really boring. Few big plays, few TO, few long drives. At least Cam was a fun personality despite throwing 8 yard turf outs on 15 yard curls.
The worst part of this team, aside from the suck, is that they are boring. Really boring. Few big plays, few TO, few long drives. At least Cam was a fun personality despite throwing 8 yard turf outs on 15 yard curls.
1. Play the kids as much as possible this year. If they suck, at least they'll be learning on the job. Because right now the vets suck too.
2. Keep Mac for 2024 in his last year of his rookie deal. Do NOT do the 5th year option, obviously.
3. Draft a QB in the first two rounds next year - either Williams or Maye in the first (if you can get them), or if not, and you take Harrison or the stud OT in the first round, then grab one of the next tier of QB in the second (a guy like Penix). Take a legit shot at another QB. Let Mac run the show in 2024 and if somehow he becomes great, awesome, then you extend him. If he flops, you've got a guy waiting in the wings for 2025 who's spent a year learning the ropes.
4. Add as much offensive firepower as you possibly can. In the draft. In free agency. By trade. Anything to give Mac/new QB the best chance to succeed.
2. Keep Mac for 2024 in his last year of his rookie deal. Do NOT do the 5th year option, obviously.
3. Draft a QB in the first two rounds next year - either Williams or Maye in the first (if you can get them), or if not, and you take Harrison or the stud OT in the first round, then grab one of the next tier of QB in the second (a guy like Penix). Take a legit shot at another QB. Let Mac run the show in 2024 and if somehow he becomes great, awesome, then you extend him. If he flops, you've got a guy waiting in the wings for 2025 who's spent a year learning the ropes.
4. Add as much offensive firepower as you possibly can. In the draft. In free agency. By trade. Anything to give Mac/new QB the best chance to succeed.
I don't see long-term contract extension in that list (LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!).
Let him finish the year of course, get both a #1 round draft pick and a vet to compete in camp. If he's is not worth the roster spot next year and no one will swap 6th round picks for him then "Tank you very much.".
I don't see keeping him on the roster just because he is cheap.
Of course there's still a bunch of games but this is the more than likely outcome
Edit: I wonder what the chances Garappolo is that vet? Raiders would eat some salary and Jimmy G would be a good backup
Let him finish the year of course, get both a #1 round draft pick and a vet to compete in camp. If he's is not worth the roster spot next year and no one will swap 6th round picks for him then "Tank you very much.".
I don't see keeping him on the roster just because he is cheap.
Of course there's still a bunch of games but this is the more than likely outcome
Edit: I wonder what the chances Garappolo is that vet? Raiders would eat some salary and Jimmy G would be a good backup
I voted "cut him after the season" but only because "trade him for a bag of beans after the season" wasn't an option.
I would shop him this offseason while replacing him as the starter whether through draft, FA or trade.
No reason to cut him, he has value as a backup whether here or elsewhere.
No reason to cut him, he has value as a backup whether here or elsewhere.
I say trade him at the draft or right after it. Send him to a team who drafts a project QB in the draft. That might be the way to maximize his return (maybe a 4th in 2025).
I think he finishes out his rookie deal there and then heads home to back up Trevor Lawrence in 2025
I think he finishes out his rookie deal there and then heads home to back up Trevor Lawrence in 2025
Another benefit of keeping Mac as a backup is that it pretty much guarantees against any sort of QB controversy, no matter how bad Jones replacement is.
I voted cut him now. He has literally zero redeeming qualities. I just want to see someone different throwing the ball. The 2023 Patriots are painful to watch and most of it revolves around number 10. I hate Mac Jones.
Pats have big holes at WR and OT that also kinda require spending a high pick if you want to get an elite guy. If a guy like Nix drops unexpectedly, maybe you spend a second or even trade up into late round 1, but if they are going to rebuild properly, it will take a couple drafts.
"Everybody just knows you're irredeemably shitty" probably isn't something Mac imagined he would be putting in the "plus" column of his career, but here we are.
Others seem to think it's viable, but I'd be uneasy about a QB room with Mac and his heir apparent sitting at the same table.
Its probably not the most prudent move but I can get with this.
Its not just that he sucks. He sucks AND he is boring. And maybe not cool either. Mac is the pumpkin spiced latte of NFL QBs. Basic, lame and wildly overrated.
FWIW, I don’t think the Pats would be able to cut him right now and absorb the dead money hitting the 2023 cap, as they’re only operating at a little over 2M under the cap and Mac’s dead money (a little under 3M) would exceed their available cap space.
I know folks selecting that option probably don’t care, but, yeah, it’s impractical. They’d have to restructure several contracts (ie push cap dollars into 2024 and beyond) to make it work…..just to intentionally get worse at QB for half a season of football?
I know folks selecting that option probably don’t care, but, yeah, it’s impractical. They’d have to restructure several contracts (ie push cap dollars into 2024 and beyond) to make it work…..just to intentionally get worse at QB for half a season of football?
Don't think he has the right mentality to be a backup or in a camp battle, so trade him for whatever you can get after the end of the season, sign Jacoby Brissett and draft a QB high.
I'm in between 2 and 3. (Not like, deciding between the two - more like the option I would have chosen is in between them.) Obviously cutting him even in the offseason is over the top, but it's so hard to see a path to a situation where he makes sense as the day 1 starter in 2024. Realistically, I'd like to see them bring in 2 QBs next year and trade Mac for a bag of balls. If they draft someone high enough, I want them starting week 1.
I think I was the first one to call Mac trash on this board (probably prematurely admittedly, but the signs were there) and even I'm not advocating cutting him. Let him continue to suck and bottom out, bring in camp competition and let it play out.
I don't think they will be in position to draft Caleb or Maye so they will likely be using a 2nd or 3rd on the 2nd tier of QBs. That being the case I'd have Mac start next year and give the draftee a chance to come along slowly vs. thrusting him right into action unless he is clearly ready. Thinking an Ewers or Jaxson Dart type in the early 2nd would be a good option while they either grab an elite WR or T in the 1st.
I like option 3 best, except for the "behind him" part. Starter >>> Mac > Zappe. Let him carry a clipboard.
Edit - PS, I agree with those who say the Pats with Mac are unwatchable. If anyone had thoughts like, "sure, we could start Mac again next year, " they should have died last Sunday
Edit - PS, I agree with those who say the Pats with Mac are unwatchable. If anyone had thoughts like, "sure, we could start Mac again next year, " they should have died last Sunday
In the abstract I agree with the majority: play him now, keep him as a backup for 2024.
However, there’s a scenario where we land a top QB in the draft and plan to start him from day 1 next season. In that case it may be best to jettison Mac if we can land a mentor-like vet backup.
Regardless, I don’t want to see Mac start another game ever once this season comes to and end.
However, there’s a scenario where we land a top QB in the draft and plan to start him from day 1 next season. In that case it may be best to jettison Mac if we can land a mentor-like vet backup.
Regardless, I don’t want to see Mac start another game ever once this season comes to and end.
But you have.. you've seen two other qbs this season.. and they're both worse if not much worse than Jones. The only thing that would change if Jones was cut is the same people would then be complaining non stop about his replacement.. they've tried several times to hand someone else the team this year.. and his replacement isn't on the roster or the practice squad... and it make zero sense to trade him right now.
I don't think they'll pick early enough for Williams or Maye (or Harrison) and I don't think Belichick will trade up when he can get a talented player wherever they pick so Mac is likely the starter next year. If we're lucky Penix or Nix are there early in the second or close enough that trading up is not prohibitively expensive and that guy can hold a clipboard until Mac gets hurt or plays himself onto the bench. It just doesn't make sense for a team with this little talent to make a run at an expensive veteran. Yes it will be frustrating but it's going to take awhile to rebuild this offense.
While I generally agree that they'll end up with 5-6 wins and not in the top 5 of the draft, they did just lose at home to a pretty bad team who had traded away two of its best defensive players. Finger pointing, sulking, and quitting on the season doesn't generally happen in NE, but who knows where this season is headed. Here's the remaining schedule:
vs IND in Germany (Indy is better but overseas games are weird; this could be a barometer whether the Pats have quit)
Bye
@ NYG (they're horrible but it's a road game, who knows)
vs. LAC (they're better than the Pats, probably much better, but they're chokers and traveling across the country)
@ PIT (somewhat similar team as we've discussed in some threads, road game in a tough environment against a team in a playoff fight, feels like an L)
vs KC (ha)
@ DEN (house of horrors but they're not good, coin flip type game)
@ BUF (ha)
vs NYJ (big unknown if Rodgers is back / if the Jets are in contention for a playoff spot)
I'd probably bet on them to go 3-5 and finish 5-12. I doubt they win fewer than 4, or more than 6.
This is where I'm at. They need a ton of help on the offensive side of the ball, so if you don't feel like you are getting a franchise altering QB in the first round (5th pick for example) they need to go with real talent at WR or OT. If that second tier quarterback is available then you take the shot. They really need to use resources for high-end talent no matter what.
Ive seen two other QBs play a handful of snaps and both brought with them something that Mac cannot generate. Hope. Hope that the next play will be better. We’ve seen enough of Mac fucking Jones to know that the next play won’t be better. Or the play after that. Continuing this is an effort in futility. There isn’t a person here that knows without a doubt what half a season of someone else looks like. Why would anyone complain if they’re worse? At that point you have to just admit defeat. It would at the very least give you a different perspective of the players you currently have on that side of the ball.
Who is going to trade anything for Mac? If you put him on the market this off season people are just going to assume you are cutting him. Also with Malik Cunningham I don't see the point of drafting a late round QB especially if you are dumping Mac. You are going to want to bring in a veteran guy.
Bench him now, cut or trade him in the offseason.
There's no point in allowing him a fourth year here. He's already ruined this season, he has no right to ruin another.
There's no point in allowing him a fourth year here. He's already ruined this season, he has no right to ruin another.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNIo8HLj2pU
The rational part of my brain says he's a cheap starter/placeholder for whatever rookie they wind up drafting, the emotional part of me says to cut him yesterday.
The rational part of my brain says he's a cheap starter/placeholder for whatever rookie they wind up drafting, the emotional part of me says to cut him yesterday.
I’ve been looking at BB’s history with QB’s and Mac sounds more and more like the Kosar that BB coached. Well except he was good before injuries took their toll, but the paragraph describing him sounds so familiar by a rival exec.
Washington Post re Kosar
Washington Post re Kosar
I'd vote Other. Draft a QB if one is good value, but otherwise try and pursue a Tannehill or Cousins in the FA market. Or maybe try and rehabilitate a Bridgewater or a Mayfield, who have both shown a lot flashes of talent.
Some of us repeatedly pointed out that he was missing open reads last year and that it was obvious he was struggling to command the offense when left to his own devices (aka, not leaning on McDaniels).
We were shouted down repeatedly by a few people and told it’s definitely not Mac, it’s Judge and Patricia. Whom, BTW, I don’t think were great, but did become too convenient of scapegoats, particularly when your own eyes would repeatedly see open guys that Mac wasn’t seeing.
Too many people bought into the Dan Orlovsky, who attempted all of 500 NFL passes with a PR of 75, nonsense. “It’s the coordinators!” He was a shit quarterback himself, and the fact that he was hired as an analyst (who even knows why?) doesn’t make him a voice with credibility.
Now, finally, the team is telling you: no, Mac can’t read the field. He panics and misses wide open guys. It doesn’t matter who the coordinators are.
This isn’t an “I told you so,” post, more, just - don’t get so attached to high draft picks. Particularly ones that haven’t accomplished anything. They can either play or they can’t, and it shouldn’t take three years and various people losing their jobs to reach what was a fairly easy conclusion just a few weeks into the 2022 season. Mac can’t play. Onward.