The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a decision regarding the contract option of quarterback Mac Jones. According to ESPN.com's Michael DiRocco, the Jaguars have chosen not to exercise their fifth-year option on Jones' contract, which means he will become a free agent in 2025.

This announcement comes after the Jaguars exercised their fifth-year options on the contracts of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne over the weekend. However, the team did not make any announcement regarding a third option, the one they hold on Jones' contract.

Jones was acquired by the Jaguars in a trade with the New England Patriots earlier this year and was expected to serve as Lawrence's backup. Exercising the option for 2025 would have guaranteed Jones the same salary of $25.664 million that Lawrence is set to make.

Given the different roles the two quarterbacks have on the team, it is not surprising that the Jaguars opted not to pick up Jones' option. Jones will now have the opportunity to test the free agent market in 2025.

The decision raises questions about Jones' future and whether he will have a chance to prove himself as a starting quarterback elsewhere. While he will be backing up Lawrence in Jacksonville, it remains to be seen if he will get enough playing time to make a compelling case for another opportunity as a starter.

The Jaguars' move underscores their confidence in Lawrence as their franchise quarterback and their commitment to building around him. With the fifth-year option off the table for Jones, the team has made it clear that their focus is on Lawrence's development and success.

As for Jones, he will now have to wait until 2025 to potentially become a free agent and explore opportunities with other teams. Whether he will have a chance to showcase his skills and make a case for starting remains uncertain, but the quarterback will undoubtedly be driven to prove his worth in the NFL.

In the coming years, it will be interesting to see how Jones' career unfolds and if he can find a path to reclaiming a starting role in the league. For now, the Jaguars have made their decision, setting the stage for an uncertain future for Jones as he prepares for the upcoming season as Lawrence's backup.