In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL, former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has made headlines with pointed remarks about his former team after signing with the San Francisco 49ers. The once-promising rookie, who led the Patriots to a playoff berth in 2021, didn’t hold back when discussing his new team’s approach, throwing what many are calling “cold water” on the Patriots’ offensive system. His comments, delivered with a bluntness that has surprised fans and analysts alike, are sure to leave his former team stunned.
A Rocky Road in New England
Mac Jones’ journey with the Patriots began with high expectations. Selected 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones quickly established himself as a bright spot for New England in the post-Tom Brady era. His rookie season was a success, with 3,801 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl nod, as he guided the Patriots to the playoffs. However, the wheels came off in the following years.
In 2022, Jones struggled under a dysfunctional offensive coaching setup led by former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and special teams coach Joe Judge, a decision widely criticized as a misstep by head coach Bill Belichick. Jones’ performance regressed, with only 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, and he missed three games due to an ankle injury. His confidence appeared shaken, and tensions flared, culminating in a viral sideline tirade during a 2022 loss to the Buffalo Bills where he expressed frustration with the play-calling.
By 2023, Jones’ tenure in New England was unraveling. He was benched four times in 11 starts, finishing with a 2-9 record, 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Patriots traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick in 2024, marking an unceremonious end to his time in Foxborough.
A Fresh Start with the 49ers
After a stint in Jacksonville, where Jones started seven games in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence, he signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 to back up Brock Purdy. The move reunited Jones with a team that had considered drafting him third overall in 2021 before opting for Trey Lance. Now, under the tutelage of head coach Kyle Shanahan, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s sharpest offensive minds, Jones appears reinvigorated.
Speaking to reporters, Jones didn’t mince words when asked what makes Shanahan’s offense quarterback-friendly. “I think that’s definitely a loaded question,” he began, hinting at his past frustrations. “They do a great job explaining what the expectation of each play is and why they’re doing a certain play. There’s nothing left up to doubt, if that makes sense. Everything’s based on timing and rhythm and also playing off structure.”
The comments were a clear jab at the Patriots’ offensive approach during his tenure, particularly the 2022 season under Patricia and Judge, which lacked coherence and direction. Jones’ emphasis on clarity and structure in San Francisco’s system stands in stark contrast to the muddled play-calling and poor offensive line protection he faced in New England, where the team ranked dead last in pass block win rate (44.3%) and had one of the league’s least effective receiving corps.
A Statement That Stings
Jones’ remarks are likely to shock the Patriots organization, which has faced scrutiny for its handling of the young quarterback. His suggestion that the 49ers “see the game the correct way” implies that New England’s methods were fundamentally flawed. This isn’t the first time Jones has expressed dissatisfaction—his sideline outbursts in New England were well-documented—but the directness of his latest comments marks a new level of candor.
For Patriots fans, the statement may feel like a betrayal from a player once seen as the heir to Tom Brady. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the context: Jones’ confidence was battered by inconsistent coaching, a lack of offensive weapons, and a porous offensive line. His struggles were not entirely his fault, but his hot-headed moments and poor decision-making under pressure didn’t help his case.
What’s Next for Jones and the Patriots?
In San Francisco, Jones has a chance to rebuild his career in a system tailored to maximize quarterback efficiency. Shanahan’s track record with quarterbacks, from Jimmy Garoppolo to Brock Purdy, suggests Jones could thrive as a backup and potentially resurrect his value as a starter down the line. Some analysts even draw parallels to Sam Darnold, another AFC East castoff who revitalized his career under Shanahan’s guidance.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are moving forward with a new era. With Bill Belichick no longer at the helm and a rebuilt roster, the team is focused on developing rookie quarterback Drake Maye, their third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jones’ comments may sting, but they’re unlikely to derail New England’s plans as they look to reclaim their status as AFC contenders.
A Bold New Chapter
Mac Jones’ swipe at the Patriots underscores a turbulent chapter in his career, but it also signals his determination to move forward. By praising the 49ers’ approach, he’s not just throwing shade at his former team—he’s betting on himself to succeed in a new environment. Whether this bold statement translates into on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Patriots will be watching closely, and they won’t forget the cold water Jones just poured on their legacy.