Jaguars QB Mac Jones surprisingly snubbed from top backup passers list

NFL teams know the importance of having a capable backup quarterback in place. After all, he's just one injury away from seeing the field, and his play could be the difference between winning or losing. That's why the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Mac Jones in the offseason. The expectation is that Trevor Lawrence won't miss a snap in 2024, but if he does, Jones can fill in for him and the offense won't suffer. That said, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports isn't overly impressed with Jones.

Benjamin put together a list of the best 10 backup passers in the league and the former Alabama standout was nowhere to be found even after adding four honorable mentions. Some of the inclusions are warranted. Jameis Winston and Tyrod Taylor are starting-caliber quarterbacks, so they most definitely deserve a spot. On the other hand, it was puzzling to see the likes of Joshua Dobbs, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Jake Browning.

In particular, Pickett and Fields might not have been great entries. Why include both but omit Jones? All of them came out of the 2021 draft. However, Jones is the only one who made the Pro Bowl. On the other hand, all of them underperformed, which is why none of them are with the team that drafted him.

In Jones' case, he flashed potential as a rookie but the New England Patriots hurt his development when they appointed Matt Patricia, a coach with a defensive background, as the offensive coordinator in 2022. Patricia was one and done in Foxborough. Bill O'Brien replaced him and tried to salvage Jones but it was too late by then.

After two underwhelming seasons, New England was ready to move on from Jones. He was seen as a trade target throughout the offseason but his market wasn't particularly strong. The Jaguars ended up acquiring him in exchange of a sixth-rounder because he didn't have more suitors.

The Jaguars' backup QB situation is in great shape with Mac Jones in the mix

So far, Mac Jones has fit like a glove with the Jaguars. A Jacksonville native, he's thrilled to suit up for the team he grew up rooting for. During Organized Team Activities, there was a clip of him having fun in practice making the rounds on social media.

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor told the media during mandatory minicamp that Jones is injecting fun in meetings but is also making the most of his opportunity. Moreover, Taylor believes that the fourth-year quarterback is benefiting from the change of scenery.

"I think there's certain times where it just gets tough and it's nice to have a breath of fresh air," Taylor said. "It's nice. It's fun to learn a new system. It's fun to talk new language with the group and I think you're seeing that with him right now."

Jones was the only quarterback on the Jaguars who attended minicamp, so he got all the reps behind center. He's wasted no time putting his skills on display.

Ideally, Jones will spend the regular season on the sidelines. But if the Jaguars ever need him to take snaps behind center, the offense should be in great shape.

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