Jerod Mayo seemed encouraged by Mac Jones' presence when Mayo was introduced as the Patriots' new head coach on Wednesday.
Others not so much.
Mayo seemed impressed when Jones told ESPN Jones was working out at the facility that day, but the quarterback appeared to have worn out his reception elsewhere in the building.
“It's ironic that he was in his training clothes, but at the end of the season he cleared out all his lockers. There's not a single hanger. It's completely empty. … I mean, come on, hey,” team officials said. person told Boston Sports Journalvia Nesun. “Everyone has watched him play and seen him act like a prima donna. The team is tired of it too and everyone is tired of it.”
Manager Bill Belichick, who parted ways with the Patriots this month after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl championships, suspended Jones for the final game of the season against the Jets and suspended Jones, a former first-round pick, and Perhaps sending a clear message to owner Robert Kraft.
The consensus seems to be that this injury will end the Patriots' roller coaster three-year marriage to Jones. Jones qualified for the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021, but has not been able to establish himself as a franchise QB since then.
The Patriots are 2-9 this season in games in which the 25-year-old started, and he was benched multiple times during games.
Jones was officially replaced in the starting role by 2022 fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe in New England's 6-0 loss to the Chargers in Week 13.
talk on monday WEEI's “Greg Hill Show” Mayo was asked if Jones has struggled as a leader this season.
“I didn't say that,” Mayo replied. “What I'm saying is, when you think about Mack, he obviously has talent, but we're once again in the evaluation stage. Well, especially with the players we have now, Confidence in a player is a very fragile thing, I say like an old man or something, but confidence goes a long way and as I continue to evaluate as a coaching staff I can honestly see. . But they can play football, like they're here for a reason.”
