Jets Face QB Dilemma as Top Trade Targets Remain Off the Market

San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons reportedly unwilling to part with Mac Jones and Kirk Cousins

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The New York Jets' search for a new starting quarterback this offseason has hit a roadblock, as two of their top trade targets - Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers and Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons - appear to be unavailable. According to reports, the 49ers are not looking to trade Jones, while the Falcons may opt to keep Cousins as their starter despite his hefty $180 million contract.

Why it matters

The Jets are in desperate need of a reliable quarterback after a disappointing season from incumbent starter Justin Fields. With Jones and Cousins potentially off the table, the team's options for upgrading the position are dwindling, putting more pressure on the front office to find a suitable solution through the draft or other trade avenues.

The details

The Jets were reportedly interested in acquiring Jones, who is under contract for two more seasons at a relatively affordable $8.41 million per year. However, the 49ers are said to be unwilling to part with the 2021 first-round pick. Meanwhile, the Falcons may opt to keep Cousins as their starter, given the uncertainty surrounding their current quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the arrival of a new head coach, Kevin Stefanaski.

  • The Jets' search for a new quarterback has intensified this offseason.
  • Mac Jones had a solid 5-3 record as the 49ers' backup QB in the 2025 season.

The players

Mac Jones

A 2021 first-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers, Jones has shown promise as a backup quarterback and could be a trade target for the Jets.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins is under contract for $180 million, but the Falcons may opt to keep him as their starter due to uncertainty at the position and the arrival of a new head coach.

Justin Fields

The current starting quarterback for the New York Jets, Fields has struggled to establish himself as a reliable option, leading the team to explore trade options for a new QB.

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What they’re saying

“For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I'm told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first rounder.”

— Dianna Russini, Reporter (The Athletic)

“But Atlanta needs a capable backup, especially one who might have to play early as Michael Penix Jr. works his way back from his third ACL surgery. There's also the Kevin Stefanaski factor.”

— Dianna Russini, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Jets will need to explore alternative options to find a new starting quarterback, either through the draft or by targeting other trade candidates, as their top choices appear to be off the market.

The takeaway

The Jets' quarterback situation remains in flux, as their efforts to acquire proven starters like Mac Jones and Kirk Cousins have hit roadblocks. This underscores the challenges the team faces in upgrading the position and the importance of finding a reliable long-term solution through the draft or other creative means.