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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Jaillet

Rob Gronkowski says Mac Jones ‘not respected’ in New England, should ‘ask for release’

Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski believes quarterback Mac Jones is not respected in New England. He dropped this bombshell on Wednesday’s edition of “Up & Adams.”

Jones has had a difficult 2023 campaign. He has thrown for 2,031 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The quarterback has struggled so badly that he was benched during Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. He passed for 170 yards and an interception in that game, and the Patriots went on to lose 10-6.

It was yet another rough chapter in what was supposed to be a promising career. Jones was New England’s first-round pick in 2021 and was thought to be the next franchise quarterback. His career started off strong, as he led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance in his rookie season.

However, things have started to take a downward turn, and the quarterback’s regression has been evident. Gronkowski believes the time has come for Jones to ask for his release

“If I was Mac Jones as well, he’s not respected in New England,” Gronkowski said. “Coach Belichick has played all these games with him. Bailey Zappe isn’t even close to being on Mac Jones’ level. You should never, ever sit Mac Jones.

“You tried it once, you tried it twice, it’s not working. Now, he’s doing it again. He won’t name a starting quarterback. He’s not respected there. I think Mac Jones should ultimately, even right now, should just go ask for his release. If you’re talking to me about what he should do, ask for his release.”

This would certainly be a major move for a team that ultimately wants to find stability at the quarterback position. There are also options in the 2024 NFL draft with Caleb Williams being one of them.

Time will tell what the Patriots do and if Jones is in their future plans moving forward.

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