Mac Jones is a quarterback in a quagmire. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the former New England Patriots starter has taken a big step in getting back on track.
In a recent episode of his podcast, Schefter praised Jones’ decision to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, where he’s projected to serve as a backup behind Brock Purdy and play under Kyle Shanahan.
“Mac Jones, in my mind, did a very smart thing,” Schefter said. “He put himself in a position to shine this year, to learn another offense, to be around coaches, so that when he becomes a free agent again, he should be even more valuable, and that much more seasoned.”
Schefter noted that Jones is making the same move that former New York Jets bust Sam Darnold did a couple of years ago. Before heading to San Francisco, Darnold’s stock was in the tank.
But after a season of stability in San Francisco, Darnold emerged as a viable starting quarterback candidate in free agency.
“Look what the 49ers helped do for Sam Darnold,” Schefter said. “They gave him a one-year deal. He left in free agency to go to Minnesota, where he elevated his game even more.”
After a promising season with the Vikings, Darnold signed a monster three-year deal that’s worth up to $100.5 million.
Jones is just 26 and could still have plenty of gas in the tank — and room for growth. A rookie Pro Bowler in 2021, Jones showed signs of promise early before things went off the rails at the end of the Bill Belichick era in New England.
Jones’ one-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season didn’t do much to move the needle. But playing in one of the NFL’s highest-regarded offenses could do wonders for Jones’ career.
There’s no guarantee that Jones can revive his image and become a starter again. But as Schefter noted, it’s a smart move that could pay off.
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