Getty Images Baker Mayfield potential "upgrade" at quarterback
The New England Patriots and many fans believe rookie Mac Jones is the next franchise quarterback going forward. In 2021, Jones was selected 15th overall in the draft and proved to be well worth it.
He fell short of having the highest rookie passing percentage in NFL history, behind Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, reported Michael David Smith for NBC Sports. Not to mention, Jones went on to make the playoffs and a Pro Bowl all in his rookie year.
However, Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright doesn’t seem to have bought into Jones. Wright suggests that Cleveland Browns quarterback would be better for the Patriots than the Alabama product. He spoke openly about his position on “First Things First” that Mayfield would be an upgrade going forward.
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“Once upon a time there were rumors the Patriots wanted to draft Baker in the first round,” Wright said. “The Patriots are looking around the AFC, and you know what they know? They know that their best-case scenario with Mac Jones is that one day he’s the ninth-best quarterback in this loaded quarterback conference.”
10 teams that should be calling about Baker Mayfield, according to @getnickwright:
1. Giants
2. Steelers
3. Colts
4. Seahawks
5. Lions
6. Saints
7. Panthers
8. Dolphins
9. Commanders
10. Patriots
“Baker would be an upgrade for 1/3 of the league.”
Examining the Likelihood of the Patriots Pursuing Mayfield
As the show goes on, Wright quickly acknowledges that this trade is highly unlikely simply because Mayfield will be a free agent soon. Unfortunately, the Browns are in a very tricky spot where they will either have to trade Mayfield to gain value or release him. Either way, it seems Mayfield’s days are numbered in Cleveland.
Wright may have a vendetta against the Patriots as he continuously undersells Mac Jones. However, he emphasizes the dwindling question that remains about Jones’ ceiling. Midway through last season, Jones plateaued towards the end of the year when the Patriots needed him to step up the most.
According to ESPN, during the first 8 games of the season, Jones threw for 1,996 yards completing 68% of his passes, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. However, in the second half of the season, Jones recorded less passing (1,805) completed a lesser percentage of his passes (66.9) and threw more interceptions (7). Not to mention, the Patriots lost three of their last four games.
Mayfield’s situation isn’t ideal for any quarterback in the NFL. It’s possible for Mayfield to leave and revive his career elsewhere, however, it’s finding a landing spot that makes sense for both Mayfield and the Browns. Unfortunately, right now many of the teams throughout the NFL are finding their respective quarterbacks and it’s leaving Mayfield with not many options in return.
Who Fits the Best Within the Patriots’ System?
Sadly, Wright’s disdain for Jones continues to be on display even after the Patriots obliterated the Browns last season, 45-7. Jones threw for 198 yards, 3 touchdowns and recorded an 88.5 quarterback rating.
While Mayfield underperformed, throwing for 73 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception and a 28.8 quarterback rating, this loss wasn’t all on him. However, Jones in that game outplayed Mayfield by a reasonable margin, yet, Wright found ways to criticize and diminish Jones’ efforts.
“I have to give Mac Jones some credit. He was the best QB that didn’t throw for 200 yards. … The Patriots are more likely to miss the playoffs than win a playoff game. But this was more about the Browns. Bill Belichick made Baker Mayfield look like a rookie QB.” —@getnickwright
If Jones continues on this trajectory, he will force doubters such as Wright to respect his game. Tons of the current and former Patriots players have bought into Jones leading this team and creating his own legacy going forward.