New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick met with the media to discuss Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night, but he did take the time to answer questions clarifying his position on quarterback Mac Jones.

It was reported earlier this month that the Patriots had “shopped” their quarterback and that there was tension between Jones and Belichick.

The Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard asked Belichick specifically about the trade report Friday night.

“Well, I’m not going to respond to anonymous quotes, Greg,” Belichick said over Zoom.

Belichick declined to name Jones as the Patriots’ starting quarterback at the NFL Annual Meeting last month. Bedard asked Belichick if Jones is the Patriots’ quarterback entering the 2023 season.

“Yeah, I mean, look, Mac’s been our quarterback for two years,” Belichick said. “As I tell the team every year, each player, each coach, we all have to reestablish and prove ourselves every year. That’s what this league is. So, that’s for all of us.”

“’23 is ’23. We’ll see how ’23 goes.”

Belichick was complimentary of Jones prior to the 2022 season. The QB struggled at times last season, so Bedard asked if he still feels the same way about Jones.

“Absolutely,” Belichick responded.

We’ll find out in training camp if Jones can successfully reestablish himself. He has second-year pro Bailey Zappe and veteran Trace McSorely as competition and a new offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien.

Featured image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports