NFL Trade Rumors: Analyst tips Raiders to swoop for Patriots QB as Derek Carr replacement

The New England Patriots are not opposed to trading or otherwise cutting ties with their quarterbacks. Jarrett Stidham, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Tom Brady have all left the team in recent years via various escape routes. However, the team's newest big-name departure could be their 2021 first-round pick, Mac Jones.

According to an article written by NFL analyst Ritchie Whitt, the Patriots could be willing to trade their quarterback to an old associate:

"The Raiders released Derek Carr this week, and McDaniels - the long-time Patriots' offensive coordinator - may look to work with someone with whom he is familiar. Like Jarrett Stidham? Like Jimmy Garoppolo? Like Jacoby Brissett? Like ... Mac Jones?"

Will Mac Jones reach the playoffs in 2023?

He continued, explaining that Bailey Zappe might have done enough to hold the team over or at least open the door for a quarterback move:

"Under McDaniels, Jones made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and led New England to a 10-7 record and the playoffs. Bailey Zappe went 2-0 as a starter filling in for Jones last season. So... if McDaniels offers, will Belichick take that call?"

Mac Jones' comparisons to Tom Brady halted abruptly during the Patriots 2022 season

Mac Jones at New England Patriots v Las Vegas Raiders

In 2021, Mac Jones threw for 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He went 10-7 in his rookie campaign and comparisons to Tom Brady came thick and fast. However, a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round put those comparisons on hold and the 2022 season extinguished them entirely.

Jones didn't make the playoffs in his second season with the franchise and threw for a disappointing 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. There were scenes where New England fans were chanting for Bailey Zappe as Mac Jones had to take the brunt of an underwhelming campaign.

Whether the problems in New England were really caused by Jones is indeed a matter of debate, and it will be interesting to see if there is more to this story.

Could the Raiders be the franchise to reignite Mac Jones' career?

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