As a 22-year-old NFL rookie quarterback, Mac Jones is a long way from thinking about Social Security. And as a first-round pick with seemingly a bright professional football future in front of him, it’s a real world topic he may never have to think too hard about.
Even his 69-year-old coach probably hasn’t spent much time game planning his Social Security approach given his decades of dominance on the NFL sideline that have earned him some pretty hefty paychecks from Robert Kraft.
But doesn’t it kind of feel like Bill Belichick is taking a Social Security approach to his young quarterback’s present and future? Let us explain yet another analogy for the Patriots quarterback competition that’s seemingly interminable and has been externally analyzed endlessly since April.
(It has to be as valuable as Mike Lombardi comparing the Patriots QB spot to crops growing in a field!)
Retirement-age Americans can begin collecting Social Security as early as the age of 62 or can wait until they are 70 to begin the process. By taking it at 62, their monthly checks are lower. Wait the extra eight years and they max out their potential retirement benefits based on their career earnings.
It’s a decision that’s different for everyone. If you don’t need the money at 62, it’s worth waiting. But if the situation is more desperate, then the money in hand is worth more than the potential increase in value down the line. It’s all about what makes sense to each individual’s situation.
Now or later?
So what the hell does that have to do with Mac Jones?
Well, the No. 15 overall pick has proven through spring OTAs and minicamp, training camp practice and a pair of preseason games that he certainly could be the Patriots opening day starter if immediately needed in that role. He’s a 62-year-old’s Social Security check just waiting to be cashed at the quarterback position.
But, at the same time, veteran Cam Newton has not fallen on his face by any means in his second summer in New England. He’s been better than a year ago and in the second week of preseason action in Philly looked as good as maybe he’s ever looked leading the Patriots offense. Newton has been competitive and capable if far from spectacular.
Newton’s presence and performance has created an environment in which the Patriots do not have to play Jones, even if they could very well choose to.
Or, like a financially stable sexagenarian, they could push things off a bit. They could let the young passer grow through time and experience and not begin collecting on his talents until he becomes more valuable or they have a greater need.
Would Jones be ready to start Week 1 of this season? Sure.
Would Jones be more ready in, as some people propose, say Week 5? Definitely.
Would he be even more experienced having sat back and watched for half a season or possibly a full year? Able to observe from the sideline and the meeting room how the Patriots offense evolves each week compared to how opponents attack and defend it? Obviously.
Over time he would gain experience, knowledge and long term value like a delayed dip into Social Security savings.
There are endless books, websites and advisors willing to explain to aging Americans when they should begin cashing in on their Social Security. Sure, they can provide plenty of information to help make the decision, but in the end it comes down to the individual.
The same is true for Jones and the Patriots QB competition. There are plenty of theories and philosophies. Patrick Mahomes sat a year in Kansas City, so that’s the way to do it. Josh Allen started from day 1 in Buffalo and is now an MVP candidate. History has all kinds of reference points for QB competition decisions.
Even here and now, the Patriots are one of five times deciding whether a first-round quarterback should start this September. Zach Wilson looks like he’s going to be thrown into the mix in New York because the Jets have no other option. Justin Fields looks ready in Chicago, but the Bears seem intent on sitting him for at least a portion of games behind veteran Andy Dalton.
There is no one way to play the rookie QB competition game. Just like there is no one answer as to when to take Social Security benefits.
Is Newton the New England starting quarterback as Belichick has declared? Or is he the starting quarterback “now” in August with a regular season decision yet to be made, as Josh McDaniels said this weekend?
Maybe, just maybe, the answer comes in how the economics major from Wesleyan, Belichick, views the timetable for when people should collect their Social Security.
Jones may be a budding rookie twenty-something, but the plan for the start to his professional career in New England may very well be similar to what millions of aging Americans go through in deciding when to take their Social Security checks.
Less now or more later?
