The New England Patriots drafted Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the intention of making him the franchise’s starting quarterback of the future. Between his insane accolades at Alabama and his unbridled potential at the next level, the move was nearly universally heralded.
Although Jones is clearly the future of the Patriots, it’s unclear whether he is the present.
Currently, the 22-year-old is battling it out with veteran Cam Newton for who will lead the offense in 2021-22.
During a recent conversation with the media, Newton opened up about his current quarterback competition with Jones.
“Ever since I’ve been here, there’s been a quarterback competition,” he said, via NESN. “I think in essence, that’s the underlying Patriot Way. Every position has a competition there, and the quarterback position is no different…Brian Hoyer is supposed to make me better. I’m supposed to make Mac Jones better.
“Mac Jones is supposed to make Brian Hoyer better. And you can’t forget about (Jake) Dolegala and even (Jarrett Stidham), that’s in the balance…But for us, it’s just the mentality to have that championship mental toughness each and every day, and the desire to get better.”
Alex Caruso stays winning. https://t.co/RPDs7KeKXN
— Game 7 (@game7__) August 2, 2021
Newton has been very blunt about his status with the Patriots over the past year. Head coach Bill Belichick has also kept it particularly real on the topic. There don’t appear to be any illusions on the subject of New England’s quarterbacking future going forward.
Who will ultimately end up the starter this season, though? Time will tell.
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