Patriots LB Josh Uche calls Mac Jones 'our quarterback' amid rumors

New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche has voiced his support for quarterback Mac Jones amid trade rumors that generate headlines seemingly on a daily basis ahead of the NFL Draft. 

"Listen, he's a dog. That's all I can say, man. He's our quarterback. And you always wish success on your friends, your teammates, your brothers. You always want to see them be successful," Uche told Patriots insiders Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston (h/t Justin Leger). 

Jones' name first popped up in trade stories this past winter, but Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio raised eyebrows throughout the NFL community when he reported last week that an annoyed Bill Belichick "shopped" the 2021 first-round draft pick to other clubs this offseason. Multiple insiders have since refuted the "shopped" claim and it was said earlier this week that some Patriots players "are not happy that this is in the news" this spring. 

Former New England safety Devin McCourty and sports talk host Dan Patrick have both publicly stated that some within the New England locker room wanted 2022 rookie Bailey Zappe to remain atop the depth chart over Jones this past fall. Zappe made it known Wednesday he is "going to be ready and take advantage" of any opportunity to compete with Jones for the QB1 job this summer. 

"At the end of the day, it's up to Bill Belichick to make the best decision for the team," Uche added during the interview. "My job is to be a player. To go out there and do my job. So, leaving the coaching decisions up to them, that's kind of what helped me focus more." 

Jones may have "universal support" among teammates, but it sounds like Uche wouldn't necessarily protest if Belichick named Zappe his starter before Week 1 in September.