Kendrick Bourne Says Mac Jones Has 'Peace' After Being in a 'Different World'...

A change of scenery has made a world of difference for quarterback Mac Jones, according to his former and current teammate, Kendrick Bourne. Speaking after a San Francisco 49ers victory on October 3, 2025, Bourne provided a stark contrast between the quarterback he knew in New England and the one currently thriving in San Francisco.

Bourne stated that Jones was in a "different world" during his tumultuous final years with the Patriots, but now plays with a sense of "peace" that has allowed him to flourish. "It's just awesome to see him in this space. How I seen him in New England was a different world for him," Bourne said. "So to see him now, with the peace he has, he's playing free and having fun. I think it's a big part of the game for him and it's showing."

The comments came in the wake of a 26-23 49ers win over the Los Angeles Rams, a game in which Jones continued his impressive run while filling in for the injured starter, Brock Purdy. In three starts during the 2025 season, Jones has led the team to a 3-0 record, throwing for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception.

This performance is a dramatic turnaround from his final season in New England, where he went 2-9 as a starter in 2023 before being benched. Bourne, who was a favorite target for Jones in the win against the Rams with 10 catches for 142 yards, suggested the immense pressure on Jones as a first-round pick in New England was a heavy burden.

The trade from the Patriots, first to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 and his subsequent move to the 49ers, appears to have provided the fresh start the quarterback needed.

Jones's journey from a promising rookie to being traded for a late-round draft pick has been a well-documented saga. Drafted 15th overall by the Patriots in 2021, he led the team to a playoff berth and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his first year.

However, his trajectory shifted dramatically over the next two seasons, marked by coaching instability and declining on-field performance. The decision by the Patriots in 2022 to have former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia call offensive plays is often cited as a critical point of regression for Jones.

After being traded to his hometown Jaguars for a sixth-round pick in March 2024, Jones himself acknowledged it was a "mutual parting of ways" that was the best decision for both him and the Patriots. Bourne's recent remarks highlight the mental and environmental factors that can impact a player's performance, suggesting that fitting into the right system and culture is crucial for success.

• Background on Patriots Tenure: Mac Jones began his career with a highly successful rookie season in 2021, being named to the Pro Bowl after leading the New England Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance. Selected 15th overall, he was viewed as the potential long-term successor to Tom Brady, but his performance saw a significant decline over the next two seasons amid organizational turmoil.
• The 2022 Coaching Disruption: A major turning point in Jones's career was the 2022 season, when then-head coach Bill Belichick appointed former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to call offensive plays. This unconventional setup was widely criticized and coincided with a noticeable regression in Jones's mechanics and decision-making, leading to on-field frustration and a strained relationship with the coaching staff.
• 2023 Collapse and Benching: Despite the return of a dedicated offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien for the 2023 season, Jones's struggles continued. He posted a 2-9 record as a starter and threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (10) before ultimately being benched in favor of backup Bailey Zappe, signaling the end of his time as the team's franchise quarterback.
• Trade and 'Mutual Parting': In March 2024, the Patriots traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 sixth-round draft pick. The move was described by Jones as a "mutual parting of ways" that was the best decision for both parties. It allowed the Patriots to move forward and select a new quarterback high in the draft, while giving Jones a fresh start in his hometown.
• Bourne on First-Round Pressure: Kendrick Bourne offered insight into why Jones may have struggled, pointing to the immense weight of expectation for a first-round quarterback in New England. "It's pressure. First-round pick, everything falls on him. He's young, he has to figure it out, and that's tough for anybody," Bourne said, suggesting this environment was difficult for the young player to navigate.
• The Importance of System Fit: Bourne also emphasized that the 49ers' offensive system under coach Kyle Shanahan is a better match for Jones's skill set. "Every situation is different. Coaching is different. I think now, he fits the system. The system is important for a lot of players, and it shows in his game," Bourne explained, crediting the 49ers' structure for helping Jones succeed.
• A Resurgence in San Francisco: According to the fictional timeline presented in the source article, after a stint with the Jaguars in 2024, Jones signed with the 49ers in 2025. Thrust into a starting role due to an injury to Brock Purdy, Jones has revitalized his career, demonstrating the talent that made him a first-round pick by leading the team to an undefeated record in his starts.
• Timeline of Key Events: Jones's career path saw a dramatic arc: drafted 15th overall by the Patriots (2021), Pro Bowl rookie season (2021), offensive coordinator turmoil and regression (2022), benching for Bailey Zappe (2023), trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars (2024), and a successful starting run with the San Francisco 49ers (2025).