Mac Jones - Let's Talk

Edition #973 - Would Mac Jones be a good option as a stop-gap QB to either start for or backup the rookie? It's time to continue out QB focus.

Good morning! ☕

The Jets have seven games remaining on their schedule, but the focus is now on 2026. It’s a depressing situation to be in for a team who haven’t tasted the playoffs since 2010, but it’s our current reality.

This week the Jets made the decision to move to Tyrod Taylor, giving them an opportunity to evaluate their skill position players. We know what Taylor is, and we also know that he’s a pending free agent unlikely to return in 2026.

The Jets need to work out the Justin Fields situation in relation to the $10 million that’s guaranteed on his contract next season, but the staff can’t and won’t return him as the starer, meaning the 2026 Jets QB is playing elsewhere.

Earlier this week we looked at some bridge QBs who are free agents. Guys who don’t require draft pick compensation and guys who won’t cost a lot of $$$’s.

Remember the Jets have Justin Fields who will count $23,000,000 against the cap next year as things stand and even if they designate him a post June-1st cut they’ll still need to carry $13 million in dead cap, to go with a $35 million dead cap hit for Aaron Rodgers. Paying $48 million in dead cap charges to two players who won’t be contributing is a tough pill to swallow.

One name who has been mentioned here and elsewhere is Mac Jones. The former New England Patriots first round pick who is currently plying his trade in the Bay as Brock Purdy’s backup in San Francisco.

The former Alabama man has been described as the 49ers main trade asset this off-season and it won’t just be the Jets who may show an interest. Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Miami, Las Vegas and Arizona have all been named as potential suitors and considering the poor free agent class, the 49ers are expected to listen.

So let’s go quick fire on this Mac Jones rumour:

• Is Mac Jones a realistic target for the Jets?

  • In simple terms, yes. Jones has revigorated his career in San Francisco this season playing in place of the injured Brock Purdy. In 8 starts he’s gone 5-3 completing 69.6% of his passes for 2151 yards, 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. That works out at 239 yards per game and a career high touchdown percentage of 4.5%.

• What’s the contract situation?

  • Jones signed a 2-year deal with San Francisco and will carry a cap hit of $3,980,000 million next season. That’s a great deal for anyone acquiring Jones, it’s also a good deal for the 49ers, and with him signed through the 2026 season their asking price is likely to be higher than expected.

• What would the Jets need to send?

  • Fans are unrealistic. Look at 49er message boards and you’ll see they’re stating they want a 2nd round pick, they’re not going to get a second round pick. There’s a reason they were able to sign him to a low cost deal and with only 8 games to turnaround film, a team will be wary of overpaying. Saying that, they'd likely get a 5th round pick that potentially could rise to a 4th based on re-signing, playing-time, play-off success in 2026.