Before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, there are those who believe the New England Patriots will create a stir. A tidal wave would result from a move that ESPN insider Adam Schefter discussed.

In a Monday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter talked about the possibility that the Patriots, who are currently in last place in the AFC at the de facto halfway point of the 2023 NFL season, will trade quarterback Mac Jones to another team. 

A transaction like this would formally close the door on the graphic beginnings of the post-Tom Brady era. The Minnesota Vikings may be looking for a quarterback to finish the season after their franchise quarterback, Kirk Cousins, suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles in a Sunday victory over Green Bay, which presented a terrible situation for Jones’ possible opportunity. 

Schefter does point out that New England (2-6) might see enough potential in the struggling Jones to give him enough time to play out the season. They are apparently not happy with the current group of backups, which includes Bailey Zappe, a 2022 draft pick, Will Grier, an undrafted rookie, and Malik Cunningham. 

Schefter remarked, “Mac Jones is interesting, but then that’s just New England cashing in on its season.” The Patriots don’t currently feel they have a quarterback they can trust, which is one of the reasons they haven’t changed quarterbacks.

“It seems a little strange to me when they like Mac Jones and they don’t have another guy, but if you’re trading away Mac Jones in a season that’s gone south anyway, then fine. But that’s checking out at less than halfway.”

Despite his inconsistent play, Jones might be able to provide a short-term improvement to a club that is struggling with passing: Minnesota, for instance, is expected to turn to fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall as they occupy the third and last NFC Wild Card spot. However, Schefter claims that if there were any rumors that Jones was going to Minneapolis, they would be “first (he’s) heard of it.” 

It’s also challenging to assess any kind of return market because of the awkwardness of trading quarterbacks during the season, particularly given the Vikings’ incredibly short notice.

“What are the Patriots willing to trade him for, and what do the Vikings give up for him?” Schefter questioned rhetorically. “It’s challenging to figure out a formula that benefits all parties, not just Mac Jones but any quarterback.”

Since Joe Flacco was moved from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New York Jets in 2021, no quarterback has been involved in an in-season trade. In 2017, the Patriots were involved in one of the most innovative aerial transactions when they sent Jimmy Garoppolo, who was thought to be Brady’s heir, to San Francisco in exchange for a future second-round selection (which was later dealt to Detroit).

The Patriots will play again on Sunday at Gillette Stadium against the Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Fox), hopefully with Jones in tow.