The New England Patriots might have found their next franchise quarterback in Mac Jones.
He may not have the best of numbers among starting play-callers, but he helped the team clinch a postseason berth.
Jones will continue to work with head coach Bill Belichick to get a better grasp of their playbook.
Therefore, the team has high expectations for him for his second NFL season.
But while they have found their starter, the Patriots got an extra late-round draft pick by trading Jarrett Stidham to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders needed another backup after Marcus Mariota signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Derek Carr will still be their starter after signing a three-year, $121.5 million extension.
But they still need to have someone ready to play in the event that Carr gets injured.
CLNS Media beat reporter Evan Lazar explained the rationale behind the trade.
Not surprising after the #Patriots drafted Bailey Zappe. Stidham in the final of his rookie deal, rookie QB on the roster. Stidham never took a step forward in his development. https://t.co/pPmxR1H62D
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) May 12, 2022
Lazar tweeted, “Not surprising after the #Patriots drafted Bailey Zappe. Stidham in the final of his rookie deal, rookie QB on the roster. Stidham never took a step forward in his development.”
Stidham Never Panned Out
The last sentence encapsulates his time with the Patriots.
He did not pan out even if he was there before Jones.
If he turned out to be a steady option at quarterback, the Patriots might not have even drafted Jones.
Meanwhile, New England took Zappe in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
It remains to be seen if Zappe will compete against Jones for the starting role.
But for the former Alabama standout, it’s an indication to improve his game or someone else will take his job.
Likewise, a change in atmosphere might help Stidham manifest his game.
For now, he will have to hold the clipboard for head coach Josh McDaniels.
NEXT: Patriots Reporter Explains Shocking Cole Strange Pick
