The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to be short on top quarterbacks, which could lead to a slew of experienced quarterbacks replacing teams this offseason. Mac Jones is a signal caller who is expected to get a lot of attention in the trade market.
Jones signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the 49ers this offseason. With Brock Purdy becoming San Francisco’s starting quarterback, the 49ers may consider trading Jones.
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With the pool of free-agent quarterbacks limited, Jones could bring significant draft capital. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Jones will likely receive Day 2 and Day 3 picks in return.
“I’d say Day 2 pick for Jones, maybe Day 3 pick swap,” Breer wrote on Friday. “The Jets trading Sam Darnold to the Panthers is probably the best recent move I can find, with New York receiving a 2021 sixth-round pick and a 2022 second- and fourth-round pick for the quarterback. I’m guessing the price will be lower because Darnold has two years left on his rookie deal and he’s a bit younger, too.”
The Patriots selected Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he found success in his rookie season, helping New England reach the playoffs. However, the next two seasons with the Patriots didn’t go as planned, leading New England to trade Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024.
Jones has returned to form this season while Purdy has been sidelined with injury. He played in 11 games, starting eight, and passed for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jones could potentially return to the AFC East next season, as the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are both expected to be looking for quarterback help.
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