Insider Reveals How the New Orleans Saints Almost Drafted Mac Jones
Follow Us
The University of Alabama quarterback Mac Jones had a stellar season in 2020. The Florida-born athlete threw for 4,500 passing yards with 41 passing TDs against 4 interceptions. He came through the ranks in Tuscaloosa under the tutelage of Nick Saban.
The 2-time CFP National Champion was a highly regarded prospect ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was being tipped for a potential move to the San Francisco 49ers who owned the 3rd overall pick.
However, GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan opted to move for NDSU’s Trey Lance instead. With Justin Fields joining Chicago Bears at 11, it was Bill Belichick-led New England Patriots who won the race for Jones’ signature.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But there was another team that was also in the frame to draft the reigning national champion.
Rich Eisen Claims THIS is the Best Place for Aaron Rodgers to Play in 2021
New Orleans Saints were keen on Alabama quarterback Mac Jones
Not many were aware, but Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints also monitored Mac Jones all throughout the summer. The NFC South champions are on the lookout for a quarterback, especially after the retirement of the legendary Drew Brees.
Trending
After Deion Sanders Jr.’s Shiny $79K Purchase, Shedeur & Shilo Follow Their Brother’s Footsteps to Flaunt New Beast
March 26, 2024 01:13 PM EDT
Steelers GM Omar Khan Divulges on Keeping Ravens’ Derrick Henry in Check With DeShon Elliott as a Strong Safety
March 27, 2024 12:56 PM EDT
Gisele Bündchen Admits Tom Brady’s Son Wants to Leave Home at 18 & He Is Unsure About Going to College
March 27, 2024 03:07 AM EDT
“Broken Feet”: Tom Brady’s Hidden Injuries Spilled by Former Teammate Julian Edelman
March 27, 2024 01:25 PM EDT
Odell Beckham Jr. Shares ‘Date Night’ With ‘Ma Dukes’ Following Split From Kim Kardashian
March 28, 2024 07:31 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The former Super Bowl-winner ended his long and distinguished career after a rather anti-climactic ending to his 2020 NFL campaign.
The Athletic NFL reporter, Jeff Howe, confirmed that coach Payton was ready to trade up to somewhere 10-14 in the 2021 NFL Draft in order to get their man. He further added that the Saints were in talks with Arizona Cardinals to acquire the 16th overall pick. But the Patriots got there just in time.
Of course, Jameis Winston (former first-round pick) and Taysom Hill, are both leading contenders to succeed Drew in New Orleans. But Mac Jones presented a mouth-watering option to the Saints.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With pick 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, the #Patriots are selecting QB Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/Z8E0ngtMFc
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 30, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The former Alabama Crimson Tide starter will now compete with 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton for a starting berth in New England. The youngster faces a tough road ahead in his bid to make a name for himself in the NFL. How do you think Mac will fare in his rookie year? Tell us in the comments section below.
Richard Sherman Not Ruling Out a Return to Seattle Seahawks