In what could be one of Bill Belichick’s final acts as Patriots coach, he’s given a sign that quarterback Mac Jones’ time with the franchise could also be over.
Jones, 25, is inactive for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Jets, serving as New England’s emergency No. 3 quarterback behind starter Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke, who was signed off the Jaguars’ practice squad last month.
Rourke played for the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions in 2021 and ’22.
Thus completes the Patriots downfall of Jones, the No. 15 overall pick in 2021 who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, only to find himself likely looking for a new home just two years later.
The former Alabama quarterback went 10-7 as a starter in his first year, throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as the Patriots earned a wild-card berth, falling to the Bills, 47-17, in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
Jones took a step back last season, throwing for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games while going 6-8.
He struggled even more this season, getting benched during multiple starts before Belichick handed the starting reins to Zappe on Dec. 3 against the Chargers.
Next year is the fourth year of Jones’ $15.5 million rookie contract.
The Patriots hold a fifth-year option, but they certainly seem unlikely to exercise it and will probably see if other teams are interested in Jones during the offseason.
Belichick, who has won six Super Bowls as the Patriots’ head coach, has his own uncertain future with New England missing the playoffs for the second straight season and the third time in four years.