The New England Patriots have been in a state of flux since the departure of Tom Brady in 2020. The team’s post-Brady era has been characterized by a blend of uncertainty at quarterback, a rotating door of potential solutions, and an apparent struggle to find a long-term leader under center. However, as the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Patriots are projected to bring back a familiar face at the quarterback position, one that many fans had hoped would be the team’s future: **Mac Jones**.
The third-year QB from Alabama, who was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has had an up-and-down journey in the NFL. But after a tumultuous 2023 season and a strong 2024 campaign, there are growing indications that the team is ready to make Jones their guy again for the long haul.
### The Rise and Fall of Mac Jones
Mac Jones entered the NFL with a lot of promise. After leading Alabama to a national championship in 2020, Jones was seen as one of the more pro-ready quarterbacks in the 2021 draft class. He had a quick release, a solid understanding of the game, and had been coached by Nick Saban, widely regarded as one of the best in the business. In his rookie season, Jones seemed to live up to the hype. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he helped lead the Patriots to the playoffs, and his poise and decision-making impressed many.
However, the wheels began to come off in 2022. With McDaniels leaving for a head coaching job with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Patriots’ offense floundered under the direction of former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and first-year offensive assistant Joe Judge. Jones struggled in an offense that lacked clarity and consistency. The Patriots’ attack was often disjointed, and Jones’ development appeared to stagnate.
By 2023, the frustrations reached a boiling point. The offense remained one of the league’s least productive, and Jones’ play began to suffer. Injuries played a part in his inconsistency, but so did the lack of stability at the offensive coordinator position. Reports of internal friction between Jones and the coaching staff surfaced, and there was widespread speculation that the Patriots might move on from their young QB.
### A Fresh Start in 2024
Despite the rocky 2023 season, 2024 was a different story for Mac Jones. The team made a significant change by hiring Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator, a move that would provide Jones with a familiar face and a stable system. O’Brien, who previously worked with Jones at Alabama, was widely regarded as one of the better offensive minds in the NFL. Under his tutelage, Jones had the opportunity to reclaim his confidence and show what he was capable of when placed in a more structured environment.
And show it he did. Jones rebounded in 2024, posting his best statistical season yet. His completion percentage increased, his touchdown-to-interception ratio improved, and most importantly, the Patriots’ offense started to resemble a more functional unit. The Patriots finished with a solid record and had a respectable showing in the postseason, though they ultimately fell short in a highly competitive AFC.
Jones displayed better command of the offense, more comfort in the pocket, and better decision-making in key moments. While he wasn’t a world-beater, he was clearly a serviceable starting quarterback. More importantly, he showed that with the right coaching and a more stable environment, he could still grow into the quarterback the Patriots envisioned when they drafted him.
### The Patriots’ Strategy Moving Forward
As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Patriots are in a position to build around Jones for the foreseeable future. New England has a strong defense, and the 2024 season saw some improvement in their offensive line play and the skill positions. The addition of O’Brien as the offensive coordinator was a step in the right direction, and the team will likely continue to prioritize building a strong, balanced attack.
The Patriots have also been active in the 2025 offseason, potentially adding more weapons for Jones. With the right pieces in place, there’s optimism in Foxborough that the team can contend in the AFC East and beyond. While the Bills, Dolphins, and Jets are all formidable competitors, the Patriots believe that a stable and consistent offense, led by Mac Jones, could give them the edge they need.
Jones, now entering his fourth year, is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. The Patriots have committed to him, and their projections suggest that he’s likely to return as the leader of the offense come 2025. This stability could go a long way in restoring confidence both within the locker room and among the fanbase.
### Why Bringing Back Mac Jones Makes Sense
There are a few key reasons why it makes sense for the Patriots to stick with Jones as their starting quarterback heading into 2025.
#### 1. **Consistency and Development**
One of the most important factors is consistency. The Patriots have been searching for stability at the quarterback position since Brady left. While the team experimented with Cam Newton in 2020 and then shifted to Jones in 2021, they’ve had trouble finding a long-term solution. By committing to Jones for the foreseeable future, the Patriots can now allow him to develop within a structured system. Stability in coaching, offensive line play, and surrounding talent can only help Jones continue to grow.
#### 2. **Youth and Potential**
Mac Jones is still young. At 25 years old, he’s entering the prime of his career. While he may not be the physical specimen that some other quarterbacks in the league are, his football IQ and ability to process information quickly have always been his strengths. In an era of highly mobile quarterbacks, Jones may not be the flashiest option, but he’s shown the potential to be a highly effective, game-managing QB who can make all the necessary throws. With more time in O’Brien’s system, he could develop into a very reliable starter for years to come.
#### 3. **Financial Considerations**
From a financial standpoint, it makes sense for the Patriots to stick with Jones. As a former first-round pick, he is still on his rookie contract, which is one of the most cost-effective deals a team can have for a starting quarterback. The team can use its cap space to address other areas of need, such as the wide receiver corps or defensive depth, rather than committing large sums of money to a high-priced free agent or a trade for another quarterback.
#### 4. **Lack of Better Alternatives**
Finally, there aren’t many better alternatives for the Patriots at quarterback. The 2025 NFL Draft class is full of talented quarterbacks, but it’s unclear whether any of them would be an immediate upgrade over Jones. Additionally, the trade market for quarterbacks is often a dicey proposition. While other teams may be looking to move on from their quarterbacks, it’s hard to see any that would provide a guaranteed upgrade over Jones.
### What’s Next for the Patriots?
With Jones projected to return in 2025, the next step for the Patriots will be surrounding him with the tools he needs to succeed. Whether that means adding more weapons on the outside, strengthening the offensive line, or continuing to build a versatile and effective defense, the team has plenty of work ahead. However, the focus will remain on developing Jones and making him the centerpiece of the Patriots’ offensive resurgence.
In conclusion, bringing back Mac Jones as the starting quarterback for 2025 represents a crucial step forward for the New England Patriots. The team is betting on his growth and the continued development of the offense, and with the right pieces in place, Jones could still prove to be the franchise quarterback the team has been searching for since Brady’s departure. As always, the Patriots’ success in the coming years will depend not just on Jones, but on the overall structure of the team and the leadership that Bill Belichick continues to provide. But for now, the future under center looks to be in familiar hands.