If the New England Patriots were to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the San Francisco 49ers, there’s a chance he could explore an intriguing possibility.
According to NFL Network’s James Palmer speaking on DNVR Sports, several coaches at the NFL Combine suggested that Jones could have achieved significant success with the 49ers already, potentially winning multiple Lombardi Trophies. Despite the 49ers having stability at quarterback with Brock Purdy, the notion persists that had Kyle Shanahan chosen Jones with the third overall pick in the 2021 draft instead of Trey Lance, the team could have secured several Super Bowl victories.
Ironically, the 49ers had the opportunity to select Jones before the Patriots in the 2021 draft, opting for Lance at No. 3 followed by Jones at No. 15. However, Lance’s tenure with the team did not fulfill expectations, leading to his trade to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2023 season.
While Jones struggled to meet expectations in New England, the 49ers boasted a formidable offensive supporting cast over the past few seasons, potentially offering a more conducive environment for success. During this period since the draft, the 49ers have reached three NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl. If the Patriots were to trade Jones to San Francisco, it’s likely to be for a later round draft pick, potentially addressing the 49ers’ need for a backup quarterback with Sam Darnold’s impending free agency.
Despite Purdy’s consistent presence in the lineup, his season-ending injury in the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago, coupled with the 49ers’ history of quarterback injuries despite their recent successes, underscores the importance of securing reliable depth at the position.
