Patriots Shopping QB Mac Jones on Trade Market

The Pittsburgh Steelers have questions at quarterback.

Kenny Pickett is the only sure thing in the room that will likely be back, but whether the other quarterbacks are Mason Rudolph or someone else entirely is a massive question. But the team is looking to make a run and try to land former Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. And of course, there is the questions around Russell Wilson.

In an update on the quarterback market, NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo compiled what they heard about each spot that could have quarterback attrition. It seems they are expected to explore adding Tannehill to the roster with Pittsburgh. And that was backed up once again on Friday by another report from Rapoport, who says that the Patriots are exploring moing Jones.

“With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the expectation is Pittsburgh will explore adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans while Smith was the OC there,” they wrote.

But there are other options they could pursue. The trade market seems it could be robust with some younger quarterbacks, and one of them will be Mac Jones. The same insiders reported that the Patriots are likely to move on from the former first-round pick.

“Even though Bill Belichick is gone, former first-round pick Mac Jones — who lost the starting role and ended up third string by the end of the 2023 season — is a trade candidate in the coming weeks and most likely will end up elsewhere for the 2024 season,” they wrote.

Smith will be bringing in a new scheme and playbook. Getting Pickett up to speed in the new offense will be the new coaching staff’s first and most important job. There isn’t be a lot of time for them to spread his efforts around. But getting someone on the younger side is important for the Steelers to bring up, too. They need someone who will have upside in the room other than Pickett. But Jones is just one option. And looking at the market, he would likely be cost-effective, but not a very good one.