Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones appears to be enjoying life in the Sunshine State.
The former first-round draft pick, who posted on Instagram on Wednesday, joined the Jaguars in March after just three seasons in New England. New photos shared The photo shows him looking glamorous with his girlfriend Sophie Scott.
“There’s Rose in the bottom corner,” Jones captioned the photo, referring to the couple’s adorable dog, who made an unexpected cameo.
Scott, who has been in a relationship with Jones, 25, since 2019, replied, “New family photo.”
Shortly after Jones’ post went live, several Patriots fans flooded the comments section to wish the former quarterback well.
“Good luck in Jacksonville!! As a Pats fan I’m rooting for you!” one user commented, while another posted, “Mac, we’re sorry we let you down. Know that New England is always rooting for you.”
Jones, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had a promising rookie year in New England, throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while earning a Pro Bowl selection and a playoff appearance.
Jones played his first season under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, but McDaniels took over as the Raiders coach in January 2022, leaving the keys to the 2022 offense in the hands of former Patriots defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, respectively.
The experiment often failed on game day, with Jones’ frustration frequently boiling over on the sidelines and his production dropping off in his second year (2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, 11 interceptions in 14 games).
The Patriots added a familiar face to the offense in 2023 by re-hiring former offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Jones’ alma mater, the University of Alabama, from 2021-2022, but hit rock bottom with a dismal 4-13 season.
Jones was benched midway through the game due to inconsistent play and ultimately lost his starting role to 2022 fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe.
Coach Bill Belichick left the team in January after 24 years with the team, and former linebacker turned coach Jerrod Mayo was named his successor.
Jones, a Jacksonville native, was quickly traded to the Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
“Mutually parting ways was the best decision for Jones and the Patriots,” Jones said at his Jaguars news conference in March.
“I have a lot of respect for the guys over there. They were my first team, they drafted me in the first round, and I can’t thank them enough,” Jones added.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, now the backup to Trevor Lawrence, praised Jones on Tuesday as the “ultimate pro” and noted how a change of environment can have a positive effect.
“I think a change of environment is good for the players and the coaches,” Pederson said. According to Pro Football Talk“It was good for him to be back here with his family and friends. I think he’s been happy with it ever since he got here.”
Meanwhile, the Patriots acquired veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett during the offseason and selected North Carolina native Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft last month.
The Jaguars and Patriots will face off in London on October 20th.
