NFL analyst Rich Eisen has identified San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones as a potential candidate to mirror the remarkable career turnaround of Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold. Eisen’s prediction, made recently, highlights Jones as the next promising signal-caller ready to make a significant impact in the league.
Eisen analyzed the 49ers quarterback situation, particularly whether Jones, who is currently serving as the backup, might become available via trade. He emphasized Jones’ trajectory, saying,
“Mac Jones, in my estimation, is the most likely candidate to be the next Sam Darnold of anybody else.”
Eisen pointed out that both quarterbacks were first-round picks who had early success followed by setbacks, noting,
“chosen in the middle of the first round, had a nice first year… second year falls off… he needed to go to ‘Camp [Doug] Pederson’ down in Jacksonville, and now he’s in ‘Camp [Kyle] Shannahan.’”
Jones’ Performance in 2025 Shows Promise During Starting Opportunity
During the 2025 season, Mac Jones started for the 49ers in eight games, compiling a 5-3 record and maintaining solid numbers with an average of 268.9 passing yards, 1.6 touchdowns, and 0.8 interceptions per game. His overall QB Impact Score of 80.2 ranked ninth in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, a strong indicator of his positive contribution to the team.
Reflecting on Jones’ stint as starter while Brock Purdy was sidelined, Eisen remarked,
“You saw what he looked like when he got the shot for a month… Brock Purdy was not available for some time this year, and Mac Jones kept the Niners afloat. They almost won the one-seed.”
Comparatively, Darnold played all 17 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season, averaging 238.1 passing yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game with the same 0.8 interceptions rate. He ended the year ranked 13th in PFSN’s quarterback impact rankings, illustrating a similar level of influence despite differences in supporting cast and outcomes.
Parallels Between Jones and Darnold’s NFL Journeys
Both Jones and Darnold entered the NFL with high expectations as first-round quarterbacks but initially struggled to maintain consistency. Their careers highlight a progression fueled by gaining experience and benefiting from stronger team environments.
Darnold achieved notable success by leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and establishing himself as a top-tier quarterback during the 2025-26 postseason. Meanwhile, Jones has yet to secure a playoff win and faces the challenge of proving his capabilities over a more extended period.
If Jones is traded to a contending team or signs as a free agent in the 2027 offseason, he could find the stability and support needed to unlock his potential. Given his 67 career touchdowns, Jones stands poised to seize an opportunity reminiscent of Darnold’s breakthrough if it arises soon.
"Mac Jones, in my estimation, is the most likely candidate to be the next Sam Darnold of anybody else."
—@richeisen on Mac Jones' potential after being under the Kyle Shanahan system 👀
(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/w4tW9GkaME
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 23, 2026
