FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Last year at this time, quarterback Mac Jones had yet to take his determined walk across the stage at the 2021 NFL draft as the New England Patriots’ first-round pick.
Fast-forward one year and Jones is spending time this week in Tampa, Florida working out with three top returning receivers (Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers) and newcomer DeVante Parker in what could be viewed as a decisive reflection of his willingness to expand his leadership within the team.
It’s what many, including those at the highest levels of the organization, hope to see unfold.
“I actually believe he has a little more edge than we’ve seen. But he’s been respectful of coming in as a rookie,” owner Robert Kraft said last week at the NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
Jones’ on-field workout with teammates in Tampa, Agholor’s hometown, figures to be one of many this offseason. The Patriots’ official voluntary offseason program begins April 18 at Gillette Stadium, and Jones is expected to be a full participant, but there are no rules that prohibit players from gathering on their own to build additional rapport.
Bourne provided a sneak peek, via Instagram, of what is happening in Tampa this week.
Today’s report about a QB with Patriots ties in Tampa has a twist: It’s Mac Jones bonding and working on the field with WRs Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers, as well as RB J.J. Taylor.
📸 via @BournePoly11 Instagram: pic.twitter.com/pRhtCN2BNi
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 5, 2022
After the Patriots acquired Parker from the Miami Dolphins in a trade last week, Parker’s injury history was noted on ESPN’s NFL Live on Monday, with analyst Tedy Bruschi highlighting the role of Jones in helping Parker thrive.
“When you bring in a receiver that you need to get the most out of, you put him in the offense, and who plays a big part in that? The quarterback. In terms of getting on a relationship with this guy … Mac has to become that quarterback…
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