Coming off a career night and an overtime win, the former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, Mac Jones, could audition for a new role, which likely means a trade. Jones let it fly by keeping the 49ers in there to pull off a late win in overtime over the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the 49ers being shorthanded on offense, it didn’t excuse Jones from delivering a promising game where the team was the underdog either way entering the matchup. With Brock Purdy planning to miss more time this season due to an injury, this puts Jones in the best position to resurge his career after spending the first three seasons with the Patriots and one lone campaign in Jacksonville last year.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product was hoping to be the long-time signal-caller for the Patriots’ offense. However, due to his poor performance in 2023, the team decided to bench Jones in favor of Bailey Zappe. The following year, the Patriots traded Jones to the Jaguars, since they drafted Drake Maye, and it was like a nail in the coffin during his tenure in New England. However, if Jones continues to play the way he is right now, he could earn a full-time opportunity with another team in the right situation.
Jones still has one more year in his current contract after this season, but these three teams could find a way to get him.
Former Patriots Draft Bust Mac Jones Could “Audition” for New Role – Trade Suitors Emerge
Potential Next Teams
Carolina Panthers
Every week that goes by this season, it looks like the Carolina Panthers don’t have their franchise quarterback. There was a lot of momentum this offseason surrounding quarterback Bryce Young, but he’s yet to break out and have a productive year that proves that he will be the long-term signal-caller. A trade for Jones isn’t possible this season, but the Panthers could look into a scenario to get him during the 2026 offseason.
Even though they still have veteran Andy Dalton to take over if time is up for Young, he isn’t the same signal-caller he once was several years ago in Cincinnati. The Panthers must wipe off the dust on offense and rebuild their quarterback room if they want to see success from key pieces like rookie Tetairoa McMillan and running back Chuba Hubbard. Jones can lead this pack in the right direction and bring some fresh life.
Los Angeles Rams
Meanwhile, as of now, the quarterback for the Rams’ future offense will be veteran Matthew Stafford. Despite that, the former Super Bowl champion could retire at any time, and his days of being a reliable signal-caller are numbered. If this is truly his last season, then it might be best for the Rams to search for another adequate quarterback in the draft, no matter the circumstances.
Just like Kyle Shanahan, head coach Sean McVay can bring out the best in Jones and position him in with an exploding offense that already contains Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
Miami Dolphins
The chemistry, aura and life just isn’t there for the Miami Dolphins this season. It’s the same year for them this campaign, so this may mean they have to fire head coach Mike McDaniel and cut Tua Tagovailoa if they want to see this franchise improve. While they did lose star receiver Tyreek Hill to a gruesome injury for the rest of the season, the Dolphins haven’t been the same since Tagovailoa suffered multiple concussion issues. It’s time for the Dolphins to build a regime, and that should begin with Jones under center.
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