NFL 2023: Predicting the starting QB for all 32 teams pre-NFL Free Agency

New England Patriots: Mac Jones

Possible backup options: Bailey Zappe, Brian Hoyer

Is there some trouble at the quarterback position this offseason in New England? It doesn’t seem like the Patriots’ experiment on the offensive coaching staff sat overly well with young Mac Jones, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and had people thinking Bailey Zappe was a better option in year two.

The Patriots did the right thing for Mac Jones by bringing Bill O’Brien back into the fold as the team’s offensive coordinator. I mean, Joe Judge and Matt Patricia? Seriously?

The Patriots have also just generally done a really bad job of getting weapons at receiver for Mac Jones. Quite frankly, his group of guys at Alabama would out-class any of what the Pats have put on the field in the last two seasons. It’s just not been a strong area for this team, and now their top player (Jakobi Meyers) is set to hit free agency.

Entering the 2023 season, Mac Jones is the unquestioned starter for the Patriots and I really don’t think we see anything changing here for this position group, although the Patriots do like to invest draft capital in the position. More teams should do it, because the Patriots have benefitted greatly from doing that through the years.

Brian Hoyer could easily transition to the coaching staff as has become a trend in the NFL these days should the Patriots draft someone in rounds 3-7 to be a third QB on the roster behind Jones and Zappe, who have now both started games.