In a move that comes as no surprise, the Jacksonville Jaguars have chosen not to exercise the fifth-year option on quarterback Mac Jones. The decision was anticipated, given that the Jaguars acquired Jones from the New England Patriots to compete for a backup role behind their star rookie quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.

Earlier this week, the Jaguars had exercised the fifth-year option on Lawrence, solidifying their commitment to the young signal-caller. Additionally, they also picked up the fifth-year option on running back Travis Etienne Jr., further emphasizing their plans for future growth and development.

Back in March, the Jaguars traded a 2024 sixth-round draft pick to the Patriots in exchange for the talented quarterback. Their intention was for Jones to compete against C.J. Beathard for the coveted backup position, not just for this season but possibly beyond.

Drafted 14 spots after Lawrence, Jones hails from Jacksonville, adding an element of hometown connection to his journey. During his time with the Patriots, he showcased promising skills, completing 66.1% of his passes for a total of 8,918 yards and 46 touchdowns, with 36 interceptions over three seasons.

In his rookie campaign, Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs, exhibiting his potential by throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns, although he did record 13 interceptions. His impressive performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod as an alternate, highlighting his abilities on the field.

While the decision not to exercise Jones' fifth-year option may disappoint some fans, it aligns with the Jaguars' plans for their quarterback depth chart. With Lawrence set as the undisputed starter, Jones will now focus on competing with Beathard, a veteran quarterback, to secure the backup role.

As the Jaguars continue to shape their roster and prepare for the upcoming season, the spotlight will be on Trevor Lawrence to lead the team, while Mac Jones seeks to prove himself as a reliable and capable backup option.