One NFL analyst believes the Cleveland Browns should consider trading for San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones.
The Cleveland Browns have been urged to consider acquiring Mac Jones from the San Francisco 49ers before the 2026 trade deadline by NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report.
"Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are in a battle for the Cleveland Browns' starting job," Moton wrote. "According to The Athletic's Zac Jackson, neither has taken the lead as the front-runner in the competition. If neither of the two impresses through training camp, the Browns can take an early swing at a potential upgrade in Jones."
Sanders finished his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 169 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. He went 3-4 as a starter.
Meanwhile, Watson didn't play last season. He was recovering from the Achilles tear he suffered during the 2024 season.
Sanders was named to the 2025 Pro Bowl as a replacement. He's one of the most popular players in the NFL because of his dad, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
Since making his Browns debut, Watson has posted a 33.1 Total QBR, the lowest among qualified passers. The odds of the former Houston Texans star turning back the clock after an Achilles tear are pretty low, which is why many NFL pundits believe Cleveland should start Shedeur so the team can fully evaluate him for an entire season.
The Browns will use training camp and preseason action to determine who will start Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It will be fascinating to see who wins the job between Watson and Shedeur.
If Watson and/or Sanders struggle in the 2026 regular season, Moton thinks the Browns should acquire Jones to save Todd Monken's first year in Cleveland.
"Jones would have a year to reinvent himself as a starter," Moton wrote. "If he plays through a solid season, the Browns can either retain him or shop the veteran signal-caller to quarterback-needy teams that miss out on top 2027 prospects."
Jones appeared in 11 games for the 49ers last season. He put up 2,151 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns while going 5-3.
In 63 NFL games with the Patriots, Jaguars and 49ers, Jones has 12,741 passing yards and 67 passing touchdowns.
