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East Rutherford Today
By the People, for the People
Jets Could Capitalize on 'Stars Alining' for Mac Jones Trade
The 49ers may be forced to trade the veteran QB this offseason.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The New York Jets are in desperate need of a starting quarterback after their gamble on Justin Fields didn't pay off. Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers has emerged as a potential option, as The Athletic's Matt Barrows believes the 'stars could be aligning' for a Jones trade this offseason. Jones impressed in relief of an injured Brock Purdy last season, and his value could create a market that San Francisco simply can't pass up.
Why it matters
The Jets have been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback for years, and Jones could be the answer. He offers flexibility as both an inexpensive bridge quarterback and a potential long-term starter. The 49ers may be forced to trade Jones due to factors like his impressive performance in an imperfect environment, the potential market for a 'Shanahan reclamation' project, and the weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft.
The details
Jones went 5-3 in eight starts for the 49ers last season, posting career-high marks in QBR and passer rating. He proved extremely valuable as he kept the 49ers afloat in the playoff race with Purdy sidelined. The 49ers have insisted they want to keep Jones as an insurance policy, but Barrows believes the 'stars could be aligning' for a trade this offseason. Factors like Jones' performance in an imperfect environment, the potential market for a 'Shanahan reclamation' project, and the weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft could drive up Jones' trade value and force the 49ers to capitalize on his successful half-season.
- In 2025, Jones went 5-3 in eight starts for the 49ers.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to have a weak quarterback class.
The players
Mac Jones
A quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers who impressed in relief of an injured Brock Purdy last season, posting career-high marks in QBR and passer rating.
Justin Fields
A quarterback for the New York Jets who went 2-7 in nine starts before getting benched in Week 12.
Sam Darnold
A former 49ers backup who led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory after a 14-win season with the Minnesota Vikings, demonstrating the potential power of a Shanahan reclamation.
Brock Purdy
The 49ers' starting quarterback who was injured, allowing Jones to step in and prove his value.
Kyle Shanahan
The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has insisted the team is not interested in trading Jones.
What they’re saying
“While Kyle Shanahan has insisted that San Francisco isn't interested in moving the veteran QB, The Athletic's Matt Barrows believes the 'stars could be aligning' for a Jones trade this offseason.”
— Matt Barrows, Reporter (The Athletic)
What’s next
The Jets will need to determine if they have the draft capital to acquire Mac Jones from the 49ers, and whether he is the best option to be their starting quarterback in 2026.
The takeaway
The Jets' search for a long-term solution at quarterback continues, and Mac Jones could be the answer if the 'stars align' for a trade with the 49ers. Jones' impressive performance last season, the potential market for a 'Shanahan reclamation' project, and the weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft could all contribute to a deal that benefits both teams.
