Patriots Trade QB Mac Jones to Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pittsburgh Steelers have questions at quarterback. But it will not be coming in the form of former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. Jones is being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick, ending his tenure in New England and relegating him to the backup of Trevor Lawrence.

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 as those same insiders noted, the Patriots were looking to move on from Jones, and they did. So, this is something to watch.

“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.

Arthur 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.