Jerod Mayo’s initial impression of Mac Jones during his introduction as the New England Patriots’ new head coach appeared positive.
However, not everyone within the organization shares the same sentiment. While Mayo expressed satisfaction with Jones working out at the facility on that day, reports suggest that Jones has not endeared himself to some teammates and staff.
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A team source revealed to Boston Sports Journal that Jones, who had cleared out his entire locker at the end of the season, was seen in workout gear at the facility, a detail that raised eyebrows among team members.
The source conveyed a sense of frustration amongst the Patriots players, who feel Jones is trying to take center stage in the absence of Bill Belichick.
“He was in his workout gear, which is ironic since he cleared his entire locker at the end of the season. Not a single hanger. Completely empty. … I mean, come on, man. Everyone’s watched him play, they’ve watched him act like a prima donna. The team is sick of it, everyone’s sick of it,” the source told the Boston Sports Journal.
Jones’ relationship with the team has been under scrutiny, with Bill Belichick, the legendary coach who recently parted ways with the Patriots after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl championships, making Jones inactive for the season finale against the Jets.
This move was perceived as a potential message to both Jones and team owner Robert Kraft. Many speculated that this might signal the end of a tumultuous three-year partnership between the Patriots and Jones, who, despite earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie in 2021, has struggled to establish himself as a franchise quarterback in the subsequent years.
The 25-year-old quarterback’s performance this season, marked by a 2-9 record in games he started and multiple in-game substitutions, led to him officially losing the starting role to Bailey Zappe in Week 13.
Zappe, a 2022 fourth-round pick, took over during the Patriots’ 6-0 loss to the Chargers.
In a recent interview on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” Mayo was pressed about Jones’ leadership, or lack thereof, during the season.
While not explicitly criticizing Jones, Mayo emphasized the fragility of a player’s confidence and acknowledged ongoing evaluations by the coaching staff.
“But you know these guys can play football, like they’re here for a reason,” Mayo admitted.
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