Since joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade with the New England Patriots in March, quarterback Mac Jones has done a “great job” getting up to speed with his new team’s playbook, coach Doug Pederson said on Tuesday.
“He’s the ultimate pro,” Pederson said about the former Alabama All-American. “He’s done a great job since he’s been here spending time studying the offense, getting caught up in the offense. I liked him coming out of college when looking at quarterbacks back then, and we’re excited to have him. It gives us a great room with he and C.J. kind of competing in that role. And he’s done a nice job.
“He throws a really good ball. He’s smart. He’s eccentric. He can be a little quirky at times. You see him out there on the field doing some different things, but that’s the joy and the fun that he wanted to get back to a little bit, and he’s done a great job for us.”
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C.J. Beathard has worked as a backup for Jacksonville starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the past three seasons. The Jaguars did not bring in Jones to compete with Lawrence, the No. 1 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, but with Beathard.
The 2021 NFL Draft also included Jones as the 15th selection, and he worked as the New England Patriots’ starting QB in his 43 NFL games.
The trade brought Jones back to his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.
“I think a change of scenery is sometimes good for players, for coaches,” Pederson said. “For him to get back here around family, friends has been good for him. I think he’s embraced it since he’s been here.”
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Jones started the first 11 games of the 2023 season, but he closed the season on Jan. 7 as New England’s emergency No. 3 QB.
With the Patriots owning the AFC’s worst record at 2-9, New England inserted Bailey Zappe into the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 3. Zappe started the final six games of the season, with the Patriots winning twice, and Jones did not play again.
In his third season, Jones completed 224-of-345 passes for 2,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
In his first NFL season, Jones completed 352-of-521 passes for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Patriots posted a 10-7 record and went to the playoffs. Jones finished second in the voting for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and played in the Pro Bowl.
In his second season, Jones completed 288-of-442 passes for 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. New England finished out of the playoffs at 8-9, and Jones missed three games because of an ankle injury.
The Jaguars have nine practices remaining in their offseason program before breaking for the summer.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.