How Good Does Mac Have To Be To Get His Option Picked Up?

[Triumph]

Earn his option because he proves that he is a good NFL QB. Do his job. Earn the teams confidence.

When the Pats players say "Hey, we have Mac Jones" its in a good sense and not a reason why the Pats are in last place in the AFCE.

 

[everlong]

I think a lot of it is going to be an eyeball test of does he progress on his rookie year and make us forget about year 2 completely. The interceptions and sacks have to come down more than anything else. I'd like to see the interceptions in the single digits and that's with an offense that is throwing the intermediate routes a lot more.

The issue he's facing is I don't see how the OL is better than last year and it was a bit of a mess. The coaching should help the OL as much as Mac but at some point you need players who can actually play. If this OL sucks they aren't going to win a lot of games. If the OL is better then MJ needs to have numbers like 3500 yards, 30 TDs, 8 INT, 66% CMP and YPA 7.5. If he does that and the defense lives up to all the investments they'll have a shot at the playoffs.

 

[Real fan 02]

Mac will very likely be improved under a new OC, QB coach and a new OL line coach. We may or may not make the playoffs. We have a very difficult schedule. I could see us winning 8-10 this year and easily win a couple of more next year.
============================
What does Jones have to do for Belichick to pick up the 5th year option? This is not a trivial matter. The team would be guaranteeing $30M for the 2025 season.

Even if Jones has a good year, the choices would be to
1) say no and have him play a contract year for $5M while looking for another QB,
2) pay him for 2024 as a sort insurance policy and look for another QB, AND hope to sign a long term contract if he has a good year. I cn already hear the agent's response to that strategy.
3) say no, or even yes, and delay the real decision for a year, probably picking up a draftee to compete for #2 or even #1.

I've been saying this for a while... I truly believe if Mac shows 2021 or better and makes it emphatically known he's the QB for the foreseeable future, the team will pay him in the form of escalators, bonuses and incentives. What people have to remember is if the GOAT wasn't getting top of the market deals then neither will Mac. In other words the deal will be easy for the team to get out of.

Or course that's all on Mac agreeing. With having zappe on the roster makes the team feel like they can go this route.

Just my thoughts.. not saying it will happen that way.

As far as the schedule goes.. I don't know why.. just have a feeling we'll win 11,12 games. I believe the defense will be top 5 and have us in every game. Offense and special teams projects to be vastly improved.

 

[Huckleberry1]

What is it with fans on this board and worrying about Krafts money?

I'm all for continuing to draft QB's in the event one is a diamond in the ruff...But if Mac Jones makes a big enough improvement then the Patriots wont be drafting high. so its basically, have a good/decent QB, refuse to pay them, tank, draft high. wait 3 years to see if they are elite, if not repeat steps?

thats pretty poor management. the market for QB's isn't changing anytime soon. If the idea is that we arent going to pay the "going rate" for a decent QB in this market and will jettison them unless they are a Mahomes.....well get ready for many sub .500 seasons....

I’m not concerned about Kraft’s $$$ in the least, I’m concerned about players who aren’t worth it consuming big chunks of their cap space. Same goes for grossly overpaid WR’s, CB’s etc…. If a player is truly All Pro/elite then I’m ok with spending that much to either keep them or get them, if they are mediocre and that’s the price I want nothing to do with it, that’s how you end up with a ****ty team. As I have said in other it’s I would consistently draft QB’s high until they find a true franchise QB.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Jared Goff: 4,438 yards 29 TDs 7 INTs 99.3 rating

Kirk Cousins: 4,547 yards 29 TDs 14 INTs 92.5 rating

Geno Smith: 4,282 yards 30 TDs 11 INTs 100.9 rating

The pats would be a dangerous team with this level of QB play. These are above average veteran QBs earning outside the top 10 in APY. The pats should be looking elsewhere if they can’t get similar production from mac IMO.

 

[Wozzy]

Mac can't throw interceptions, he has to be efficient on third downs and goal line... if he can do that the contract will take care of itself.

If he can't, Zappe will get a chance to prove himself.

 

[Real fan 02]

I’m not concerned about Kraft’s $$$ in the least, I’m concerned about players who aren’t worth it consuming big chunks of their cap space. Same goes for grossly overpaid WR’s, CB’s etc…. If a player is truly All Pro/elite then I’m ok with spending that much to either keep them or get them, if they are mediocre and that’s the price I want nothing to do with it, that’s how you end up with a ****ty team. As I have said in other it’s I would consistently draft QB’s high until they find a true franchise QB.

Andrew Brandt former Packers GM had the best take regarding the cap ect.. I urge people to check out his material. The only person concerned about RKs money is RK lol.. I agree with what you mentioned. The patriots have a formula that worked for them largely from the success the team had for 2 decades.

 

[Wozzy]

The issue he's facing is I don't see how the OL is better than last year and it was a bit of a mess. The coaching should help the OL as much as Mac but at some point you need players who can actually play. If this OL sucks they aren't going to win a lot of games. If the OL is better then MJ needs to have numbers like 3500 yards, 30 TDs, 8 INT, 66% CMP and YPA 7.5. If he does that and the defense lives up to all the investments they'll have a shot at the playoffs.

They drafted three offensive linemen, brought in two more OT's as free agents, brought in a new line coach with a solid track record, hired a legitimate offensive coordinator and retained all of their best linemen... but you don't see how they could be better?

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I feel strongly on all sides of this issue

It will be good to get year 3 in the books before being too worried about an option year by sometime around next Dave Brubeck Day (5/4).

I know that QBs CAN be truly wretched, but as of our last data point, Mac's not a good QB. That's not a guy you "lock up." And we have no guarantee we'll see even the level of his rookie year again.

The question is whether we got this incredible bargain picking him at 15 overall, overshadowed by a series of unfortunate events, or whether he's just not that good. If we're saying, "oh just discount year 2" then we're really talking about locking up a guy who had one okay first year in the league.

We need to see solid improvement or at least rebound by the end of year 3. Can you help fill in a detail - how are 5th year options structured?

It says on the interwebs that the cost of the fifth year option year is calculated from how well he did in preceding years. I will say this: If he knocks it out of the park this year and we lock him up *then,* and the option is structured to account for years to date (including a first year that was good "for a first year," but by no means an incredible year, and a second year that was, well, last year), and if fifth years are somehow dependent on years 1-3 (mathematically, not negotiated) then that can be a cheap fifth year.
Also, how many 5th year options get picked up on average?

Welcome to normal gravity I guess.

 

[Patriot Missile]

He’s going to have to prove it in a tough division with a hard overall schedule on paper Don’t think we should be basing his evaluation off of wins but how did he also play in those losses? He only threw for 300 yards twice last season and only threw for 3 td’s once. Basically he showed he couldn’t win a shootout if his life depended on it. 2021 some said they had him on training wheels, yet again, only two games with 300+ yards and only 1 with 3 tds. His decision making was better as well as the play calling to put him in a position to not be exposed. Some will claims stats aren’t everything, but aren’t they if your behind 10-14 points going into the 4th quarter? Those yards need to pile up passing the ball and moving the sticks.

Obrien has got his hands full, Mac’s been given a clean slate. It was a good rookie season but he’s got to be a lot better than either season. No more excuses with Patricia, he’s going to be open to more criticism this season than any other and rightfully so. Even a similar season to his rookie year is a step in the right direction but not earth shattering by any means and not one you want to make an early extension for. You can get 20-12 out of a lot of journey men without breaking the bank/cap.

Officially he’s got two years left but this one is all important. If they do have a mediocre season like the “experts” predict, I want to see him not be the direct cause of the losses. Play well, move the chains, make good decisions and be a good leader. If he can do that it will lead to close games and better numbers.

 

[everlong]

They drafted three offensive linemen, brought in two more OT's as free agents, brought in a new line coach with a solid track record, hired a legitimate offensive coordinator and retained all of their best linemen... but you don't see how they could be better?

All the draft picks were 4th round or later and the two FA OTs are to this point in their careers JAGs. There's nothing at this point to say any of these signings will be impactful. Do I dislike the signings? No I never said that. Do I look at any of the draft picks and think well that's clearly the next Logan Mankins or Matt Light? No I don't. Do Anderson and Reiff fill me with lock down bookends confidence? No they don't.

I said I'd view them as average going in which IMO is giving them some credit. If you think they're going to be a lock down line I'd love to hear why. I hardly said they're going to suck and we're doomed. I gave a range where they could end up because I don't think any of us honestly know because there are a lot of new pieces.

 

[Wozzy]

All the draft picks were 4th round or later and the two FA OTs are to this point in their careers JAGs. There's nothing at this point to say any of these signings will be impactful. Do I dislike the signings? No I never said that. Do I look at any of the draft picks and think well that's clearly the next Logan Mankins or Matt Light? No I don't. Do Anderson and Reiff fill me with lock down bookends confidence? No they don't.

Mike Onwenu was a 6th round pick… so what. Interior linemen can be found in every round. Where or if you got drafted stops mattering once you enter the league… all that matters is how you play. These three rookies are talented.

Reiff if healthy isn’t a jag, Anderson is only 26 and has only been in the league since Jakobi Meyers… hardly old and hardly a jag.

I said I'd view them as average going in which IMO is giving them some credit. If you think they're going to be a lock down line I'd love to hear why. I hardly said they're going to suck and we're doomed. I gave a range where they could end up because I don't think any of us honestly know because there are a lot of new pieces.

Talent.. they have it in spades.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

make the playoffs...WIN a playoff game...(my personal feeling is 5/12 is not out of the question, given the start he faces...8/9, 9/8 is NOT good enough if this team has aspirations of getting back to where they are accustomed.)

TBH the question for me is How Bad Does Mac Have To Be To Get Benched By Belichick?

I'm sick of the nightmare flashbacks of the Eason era when you spent every game waiting and hoping for him to get knocked out of there.

 

[Trolltolls]

Making the playoffs might be a stretch... we are the least talented team by far in the division and thats reality.

 

[everlong]

Mike Onwenu was a 6th round pick… so what. Interior linemen can be found in every round. Where or if you got drafted stops mattering once you enter the league… all that matters is how you play. These three rookies are talented.

Reiff if healthy isn’t a jag, Anderson is only 26 and has only been in the league since Jakobi Meyers… hardly old and hardly a jag.

Talent.. they have it in spades.

You can't predict every late round draft pick will be successful just because Owenu was. The Pats draft history has lots of hits and misses in this area. It doesn't matter if Anderson is only 26. Myles Bryant is young too and nobody is banking on him. There's a reason Reiff got 1 year 5 5M.


If you want to crown this line go for it. I'm waiting to see them prove it.

 

[Ross12]

IIRC, Mac Jones' fifth year option will be closer to $25M, not $30M. I think as long as he plays at least as well as he did in 2021, it'll be picked up to get more time to grasp who he is and for negotiating rights. $25M is not crazy money for a decent starting QB; it's about what Garoppolo is making.

 

[Gumby]

How is that ridiculously high ? He’s going into his 3rd year, I don’t think 30+ TD passes is something that is unattainable. I know only 4 QBs did that last year, but the year before, 8 QBs did it. He had 22 as a rookie and 3800 yards. Seems to be the natural progression if he’s going to be better than he was as a rookie, 4,000+ yards and 30+ TD passes.Also, I agree, I rather a 3-1 TD to INT ratio.

If he’s going to be the guy, he has to progress at a good rate. Similar stats to his rookie year aren’t good enough.

I also think that 3:1 ratio is a better go/nogo metric. An artificial # of TDs ignores the team aspect.

what happens if Rhemondre and Robinson are a 1-2 punch that rivals 1976?

are you going to count that against Mac that they punch it in from the 5 instead of doing a PayMeaTon?

 

[mgteich]

IIRC, Mac Jones' fifth year option will be closer to $25M, not $30M. I think as long as he plays at least as well as he did in 2021, it'll be picked up to get more time to grasp who he is and for negotiating rights. $25M is not crazy money for a decent starting QB; it's about what Garoppolo is making.

Why do think that the QB option amount would go down so much?

2024 Fifth-Year Option Salaries Revealed

This will be the third offseason for the tiered fifth-year option format. The NFL's 2020 CBA changed the option structure …

www.profootballrumors.com

 

[Ring 6]

Jared Goff: 4,438 yards 29 TDs 7 INTs 99.3 rating

Kirk Cousins: 4,547 yards 29 TDs 14 INTs 92.5 rating

Geno Smith: 4,282 yards 30 TDs 11 INTs 100.9 rating

The pats would be a dangerous team with this level of QB play. These are above average veteran QBs earning outside the top 10 in APY. The pats should be looking elsewhere if they can’t get similar production from mac IMO.

That’s not a level of QB play that’s a stat line. Each of those QBs were mediocre on mediocre teams and accumulated meaningless statistics.

 

[Real fan 02]

He’s going to have to prove it in a tough division with a hard overall schedule on paper Don’t think we should be basing his evaluation off of wins but how did he also play in those losses? He only threw for 300 yards twice last season and only threw for 3 td’s once. Basically he showed he couldn’t win a shootout if his life depended on it. 2021 some said they had him on training wheels, yet again, only two games with 300+ yards and only 1 with 3 tds. His decision making was better as well as the play calling to put him in a position to not be exposed. Some will claims stats aren’t everything, but aren’t they if your behind 10-14 points going into the 4th quarter? Those yards need to pile up passing the ball and moving the sticks.

Obrien has got his hands full, Mac’s been given a clean slate. It was a good rookie season but he’s got to be a lot better than either season. No more excuses with Patricia, he’s going to be open to more criticism this season than any other and rightfully so. Even a similar season to his rookie year is a step in the right direction but not earth shattering by any means and not one you want to make an early extension for. You can get 20-12 out of a lot of journey men without breaking the bank/cap.

Officially he’s got two years left but this one is all important. If they do have a mediocre season like the “experts” predict, I want to see him not be the direct cause of the losses. Play well, move the chains, make good decisions and be a good leader. If he can do that it will lead to close games and better numbers.

Great post!! I'll add that.. the decks stacked against Mac, the division, the schedule, seemingly all the reasons you'd believe he'd struggle. Somehow I believe Mac will rise to the occasion.. he has support around him offensively and defensively. He has a strong running game to lean on so he doesn't have to force things.

He'll likely be put in positive play positions.. He'll have two solid TEs some good WRs including a YAC machine in juju.. call me overly optimistic but I believe this team can win 11,12 games.