Mac Jones is being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to an ESPN report. (AP photo)

The New England Patiots are finalizing a deal to trade former starting quarterback and first round draft pick Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN.

The deal can’t be announced until the league year begins Wednesday.

The two sides are reportedly discussing a sixth round pick in return, which is what many felt a Jones trade would bring when the off-season began.

Jones, who was benched by the end of the season, losing his starting job in his third year to Bailey Zappe, was picked by the Patriots with the 15th pick overall in the 2021 NFL draft.

In his rookie year, he led the Patriots to an AFC Wild Card playoff berth throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 TDs, with 13 interceptions. He regressed to 14 TDs and 11 INTs his second year, after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to take the Raiders head coaching job, and lost time with an ankle injury. Last year, despite the Patriots bringing in Bill O’Brien to run the offense, he was ineffective, with 10 TD passes and 12 INTs. By the end of the season, he was the emergency third string QB.