One NFL analyst believes the Carolina Panthers should consider trading for San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones.
The Carolina Panthers have been urged to consider acquiring San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones before the 2026 trade deadline by NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report.
Since the Panthers are not expected to sign Young to an extension this offseason, if the QB struggles next season, Carolina may need to acquire Jones to save its season.
"It's worth noting that Jones finished with a better passer rating and QBR than Young last season," Moton wrote. "Jones played under respected play-calling head coach Kyle Shanahan in 2025. That said, he also played well in the final four weeks of the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing for six touchdowns and three interceptions while averaging 235 passing yards."
The first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Young enters next season with 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform. He's only 14-30-0 as a starter.
"Jones is three years older than Young, but he's shown the ability to perform at a high level with two different teams—the New England Patriots in his 2021 rookie year and the 49ers last season," Moton wrote.
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.
Jones was the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent the first three years of his career with the New England Patriots. The Alabama product made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but struggled in Years 2 and 3.
After one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, Jones signed with the 49ers in the offseason of 2025. San Francisco gave Jones a two-year, $8.4 million contract.
In 63 NFL games with the Patriots, Jaguars and 49ers, Jones has 12,741 passing yards and 67 passing touchdowns.
It will be fascinating to see how Young plays in 2026. He was benched during the 2024 season in favor of Andy Dalton, so we know the Panthers are not afraid to move on from Young if he doesn't play well.
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