3 most likely Mac Jones trade packages if Patriots deal him

What could the Pats get in return for quarterback Mac Jones, assuming the franchise wants to put him on the trade block? Here are three potential trade packages.

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has been the subject of trade rumors ever since one NFL pundit said New England would hypothetically entertain a trade for the former first-rounder.

Hypotheticals are always a gray area to work in, but such is the business of the NFL offseason. Mac Jones had a fun ride in the Northeast. Other people may not have enjoyed it so much, but it sure looks like he did. He broke out his characteristic cocky grin in games, yelled curse words on the sidelines, and even snuck in a dirty tackle (or five) during his two years on the Patriots.

It’s unlikely that Jones’ time in New England will be cut so short since the Patriots don’t exactly have a fallback option. Bailey Zappe will not do.

That being said, Zappe’s No. 1 and only supporter Bill Belichick knows best, and if he’s hypothetically open to entertaining trade packages, let there be trade packages.

Here are three potential landing spots for Mac Jones in 2023.

3. The Buccaneers can replace the G.O.A.T. with Mac Jones

Assuming Tom Brady stays in retirement, there’s an argument to be had for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going after Mac Jones this offseason.

Bucs general manager Jason Licht worked with Bill Belichick for several years in New England and the two reportedly still have a strong relationship. If Belichick does choose to part ways with Jones, he would be handing Jones off to a good friend and receive a solid package in return.

Tampa has the 19th pick in this year’s NFL Draft, which is likely too far down the board to pick up a top quarterback prospect like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.

Rather than throw a competitive year away, the Bucs could give up a few mid-round picks to secure a promising G.O.A.T. replacement like Jones. They would likely need to fork over a 2023 second-round pick (No. 50), a 2024 third-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick to seal the deal.

If that’s what it takes to avoid watching Blaine Gabbert for an entire season, Tampa could be doing its fans a huge favor.