New England Patriots icon Rob Gronkowski is of the opinion that the Mac Jones era with his cherished team should conclude, and he wouldn’t delay it if he had his way. Gronkowski, in a candid discussion with Kay Adams on Fan Duel’s “Up and Adams Show” on Wednesday, expressed his unreserved views on Jones’ predicament, especially with the Patriots languishing at a disappointing 2-8 this season.
According to Gronkowski, Mac Jones is not receiving the respect he deserves in New England, and Coach Belichick’s handling of the quarterback situation has been less than satisfactory. Gronkowski argued that the experimentation with different starting quarterbacks, as exemplified by not naming a consistent starter, has proven ineffective and should prompt Jones to seek his release.
In Gronkowski’s perspective, a fresh start for Jones is imperative, and he suggested that the Cleveland Browns, a team in the playoff hunt with a quarterback vacancy following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder surgery, could be an ideal destination. The 6-3 Browns, led by Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, are currently relying on rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Gronkowski believes Jones would find a fitting environment in Cleveland to showcase his potential.
Acknowledging Jones’ struggles during the current season, including a concerning 10 touchdowns to 10 interceptions ratio, Gronkowski maintained that the quarterback could thrive in Cleveland with the weapons at his disposal. Despite Jones’ overall career record of 18-23 over two-and-a-half seasons, Gronkowski expressed confidence in his abilities and speculated that a change of scenery might be what Jones needs to establish himself in the NFL.
As for Coach Belichick’s future in New England, Gronkowski likened him to NBA coaching stalwart Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs, stating that Belichick is “grandfather-claused in” and essentially immune to the repercussions of a disappointing season. Gronkowski suggested that Belichick is currently navigating a period of transition and likened it to Popovich’s rebuilding phase with the Spurs.
Looking ahead, Jones is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2024, with the expectation that New England will not exercise his fifth-year option.
