The New York Jets will be looking for a quarterback this offseason, and it could come in a few different ways. With no answer currently in place, the organization is expected to get creative in ways it hasn’t, including options that are familiar to the Jets and the fanbase.
That includes a former New England Patriots bust, who has been decent since leaving the Patriots.
Daniel Chavkin of The Sporting News named Mac Jones as a potential option for New York, citing his impressive play with the San Francisco 49ers last year.
“Jones filled in admirably for the San Francisco 49ers when Brock Purdy got injured in 2025, producing a 5-3 record with 13 passing touchdowns,” Chavkin wrote. “He has now started 63 games in the NFL and represents someone who could be a reclamation project for another team.
“However, Jones is under contract for 2026, so the Jets would have to trade for him during the offseason. Of course, San Francisco could decide to keep him as Purdy's backup, or another team could decide to outbid the Jets for Jones in the Spring.”
From a pure experience standpoint, Jones offers something few available quarterbacks can, compared to others on the market.
His time in San Francisco also helped change how many view him around the NFL. Playing well in Kyle Shanahan’s system, Jones appeared more comfortable playing with a better team, with some even thinking he should’ve started over Brock Purdy. It’s also important to note some of his struggles during his time with the Patriots.
Things were ugly in New England for Jones, and while all of it wasn’t his fault, he wasn’t much to write home about.
The trade part could also become a bit of an issue if the Jets don’t want to move assets. Because Jones is under contract next year, New York would need to move assets in a trade, and there’s no guarantee San Francisco will even make him available.
The 49ers could view him as one of the league’s better backup options behind Brock Purdy.
Still, for a Jets front office seeking a decent option, Jones isn’t the worst player to pursue.