The San Francisco 49ers might trade quarterback Mac Jones this offseason. If so, the New York Jets make sense as a landing spot.
Jones isn’t an elite signal-caller by any stretch of the imagination. However, he’s a solid player who can make the 3-14 Jets a better football team.
Jets Should Consider Trading for Quarterback Mac Jones
Looking Back at His Career
Mac Jones played three seasons of college football at Alabama. He put together a superb junior season, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. Jones impressively posted a 203.1 passer rating and a 77.4 completion percentage, both NCAA season records. He also won the Davey O’Brien, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, and Manning Awards.
In addition, Jones finished third for the Heisman Trophy and led Alabama to a national championship. He recorded 464 passing yards and five touchdowns in the championship game as the Crimson Tide beat Ohio State 52-24.
Mac Jones then chose to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2021 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots selected him 15th overall.
Jones had a great rookie season, starting all 17 games. He threw for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record. Jones also made the Pro Bowl and finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. He led the Patriots to the playoffs although they lost to the Buffalo Bills 47-17 in the Wild Card round.
After his rookie year, Jones regressed and eventually lost his starting job. He was traded to his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024. Jones started seven games for the Jaguars, filling in for Trevor Lawrence. He threw for 1,672 yards and eight touchdowns.
The 49ers then signed Jones in 2025. He made eight starts this season, replacing injured starter Brock Purdy. Jones finished with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Why the Jets Should Trade for Him
The Jets failed to land the top pick in the 2026 draft. That means they won’t be able to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner is expected to become a superstar. The Las Vegas Raiders, who own the first overall pick, will more than likely draft Mendoza unless something really crazy happens.
Holding the second overall pick, the Jets could take Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (if he declares). While Moore has the potential to be a star, it doesn’t appear that he’s ready for the NFL just yet. With that said, the team should trade back for more picks.
The Jets need to acquire Mac Jones instead. He’d be a major upgrade over the team’s trio of quarterbacks this season (Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook).
Jones would also be a cheap pickup, as he has a salary cap hit of just under $4 million. He could serve as an excellent bridge quarterback if the Jets decide to draft a first-round signal-caller in 2027 instead of this year.
Mac Jones revived his career in San Francisco, and it seems like he’s ready to be a full-time starter again. It’s unclear what the Jets would have to trade for him. But they should definitely consider him.
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