Rob Gronkowski shuts down rumors of Mac Jones being shopped by Bill Belichick

Mac Jones is reportedly being shopped by Bill Belichick after the quarterback allegedly upset his head coach last season. Former New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski doesn't believe the report whatsoever.

Jones allegedly aggravated Belichick with his on-field frustration with the coaches. Rumors cropped up that Jones sought outside counsel about what the New England staff was doing. Belichick reportedly asked teams about taking Jones in the wake.

Gronkowski, on the Up and Adams Show, shut those rumors down:

"I think that was fake news. There was just too much turnover this year. I mean, he already got a new offensive coordinator that he brought into place. Just the whole offensive staff was basically turned over this year. And then if you're shipping your quarterback, that's just too much turnover to have in the NFL in one season, in the past week to be able to compete the following year."

He continued:

"So I don't think that's real news. I think that is fake news. But in the future, if Mac Jones doesn't put it together this year with Billy O'Brien and all that, I could see that being a possibility after this season, but I don't think that was true over this offseason so far. And I just got to stamp that as fake news."

The Patriots faced a lot of issues this year as they missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons since Tom Brady left. Gronkowski doesn't believe a rift between the quarterback and head coach is one of them.

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What are the chances Bill Belichick trades away Mac Jones?

Even if Mac Jones did anger Bill Belichick, the odds of a trade occurring are pretty low. Above all, Belichick is a smart head coach, and trading away a starting quarterback who has already been to the playoffs isn't necessarily smart.

A Mac Jones trade remains unlikely

There are options and they have a quality backup in Bailey Zappe, but it's not that likely. Teams may certainly inquire and a good deal might force the Patriots to move, but that's probably not going to happen right now.