Mac Jones’ performance in a recent Patriots game has fans wondering if he will be here next year.

With only 89 passing yards, two interceptions, and zero touchdowns in the Nov. 26 game against the New York Giants, a question is now floating about whether Mac Jones will remain the quarterback for the Patriots. Decisions seem to have been made, as Bailey Zappe, the backup quarterback, has replaced Jones on several occasions.

Mac Jones, 25, attended the University of Alabama from 2017-2020, ultimately leading the team to a NCAA championship in 2020. He declared for the 2021 NFL draft, where he was selected in the first round by the New England Patriots. His professional career began successfully: he threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and led the team to the playoffs. Yet the following year and start of this current season, his performances have begun to sway fans into thinking he won’t be the future of the franchise.

The Patriots were the most dominant football franchise in the 2000s and 2010s, winning a total of six Super Bowls. With the departure of Tom Brady, arguably the best quarterback of all time, the Patriots entered a stage of rebuilding. Mac Jones was the second quarterback in this process, following a mediocre season from Cam Newton. After a promising first year, each following season has diminished his reputation.

Terry Shields, an active sports fan, feels as though Jones’s performance level hasn’t meet the standard of the NFL.

“After early success, I feel like he struggled with the level of strength and speed of the defenses in the NFL, and he hasn’t been able to adapt to that level,” Shields said.

Despite his poor performances, Logan Cherewatti, a senior at Williston, understands the tough circumstances that Mac Jones has been put in.

“Mac Jones has not been in a situation to succeed, especially with Matt Patricia as the offensive coordinator last year, and because of the offensive line this year,” he acknowledged.

Patricia was an essential part of the 2000s and 2010s Patriots dynasty, coaching as a defensive coordinator. But after an unsuccessful tenure as the Detroit Lions head coach, Patricia returned to New England in a different role. Switching to the offensive side, Patricia struggled to find his footing, and so did Mac Jones and the offense.

Senior Calvin Klumpp, even as a Giants Fan, understands that Jones’ poor career has not all been his fault.

“I feel bad for him because of the situation he has been put in at New England,” Calvin said.

Logan, like many other Patriots fans, have come to the realization that Mac Jones’ career in New England is likely to be coming to an end.

“I think he can turn his career around in a better situation,” he said, “like how Geno Smith has done in Seattle. But I think that ship has sailed in New England.”

Geno Smith began his career much like Mac Jones, starting all 16 games for the New York Jets in the 2013 NFL season. But after that year, his reputation in the league slowly decreased. This was until the 2022 season, where he was named Comeback Player of the Year for the Seattle Seahawks.