With the NFL’s growing fascination with quarterbacks who thrive after being second chances, Mac Jones has emerged as a notable candidate for trade discussions in 2026. Following his impressive performance stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers, Jones is expected to attract interest from multiple teams seeking a quarterback upgrade this offseason.
Jones’s situation echoes that of Sam Darnold, who revitalized his career with the 49ers before winning 14 games for the Minnesota Vikings and eventually capturing a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. As speculation mounts over a possible trade involving Jones, teams willing to offer a likely second-round draft pick could position themselves as favorable landing spots for the former first-round selection.
Potential Teams Likely to Pursue Mac Jones if 49ers Move On
Minnesota Vikings: A Proven Environment for Quarterback Recovery
The Minnesota Vikings have consistently appeared as contenders for quarterback acquisitions, ranging from veteran signings like Derek Carr to exploring younger options such as Malik Willis. Given their prior success in developing Sam Darnold, the Vikings present a logical fit for Mac Jones as well.
The Vikings’ expectations regarding quarterback JJ McCarthy have shifted due to his developmental curve and ongoing health concerns, making Jones an attractive alternative. Having already elevated his game under Kyle Shanahan with the 49ers, Jones would likely adapt smoothly to offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell’s system, potentially providing immediate stability and experience under center.
Atlanta Falcons: Pursuing a Veteran Quarterback with Southeastern Ties
Returning closer to home might appeal to Mac Jones, who hails from Florida. The Atlanta Falcons, under new leadership, present a compelling scenario. With Matt Ryan assuming control of personnel decisions and Kevin Stefanski hired as head coach, the Falcons are searching for a reliable quarterback solution.
Michael Penix Jr., recovering from a major injury and not originally selected by the current Atlanta regime, appears unlikely to fit the team’s long-term quarterback plan. Jones could challenge Penix directly, and his presence might be the catalyst the Falcons need to dominate their division in Stefanski’s inaugural season.
New York Jets: Utilizing Depth in Draft Capital to Acquire a Starting QB
The New York Jets enter the discussion with substantial draft assets and a clear motivation to improve at quarterback. Unlike the 49ers, the Jets lack direct ties to the Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay coaching trees, but Jones’s skill set could still translate well within their offensive scheme.
Adding Mac Jones may help elevate the Jets’ offensive consistency, potentially disrupting the dominance of rivals in the AFC East. A quarterback upgrade here could transform the Jets into a more competitive force in the upcoming season and beyond.
The Significance of a Mac Jones Trade in 2026
Mac Jones’s potential move holds considerable intrigue because it reflects a broader NFL trend of teams betting on quarterbacks who can rebound and thrive under new circumstances. His development under Shanahan, combined with his experience filling in last season, positions him as a valuable asset available for a moderate trade cost.
For teams like the Vikings, Falcons, and Jets, adding Jones might not just solve current quarterback uncertainties but also influence coaching strategies and roster building in 2026. Depending on the 49ers’ decisions, monitoring Mac Jones trade destinations could reveal the next chapter for both the player and the franchise looking to maximize his value.
