Former Patriots Quarterback Predicted To Be Traded To Panthers Midseason

June 19, 2026 - 00:15

The New England Patriots appear to have locked down their future under center with rookie Drake Maye, but the quarterback who came before him is still searching for a fresh start. One former Patriots signal-caller is now being predicted to land with the Carolina Panthers sometime during the middle of the upcoming season.

The quarterback in question is Mac Jones, who was drafted by New England in the first round of the 2021 draft. After a promising rookie campaign, Jones struggled with consistency and turnovers, eventually losing the starting job to Bailey Zappe before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past offseason. Now with the Jaguars, Jones is stuck behind Trevor Lawrence on the depth chart. Unless Lawrence gets hurt, Jones is unlikely to see meaningful playing time in Jacksonville.

That is where the Panthers come into the picture. Carolina is still trying to figure out its own quarterback situation after trading for Bryce Young last year. Young has shown flashes but has also dealt with growing pains. If Young struggles again or gets injured early in the season, the Panthers could be desperate for a veteran stopgap. Jones, despite his recent struggles, has starting experience and knows how to run a pro-style offense. A midseason trade would give Carolina a reliable backup option without having to mortgage future draft picks. For Jones, it would be a chance to prove he can still be a starter in this league.