The New York Jets are heading into yet another pivotal offseason with a familiar question looming large: Who’s going to be under center in 2026?
After a season that left more questions than answers at quarterback, the Jets are expected to explore a wide range of options. And one name that’s starting to surface-surprisingly or not-is Mac Jones.
Yes, that Mac Jones. The former Patriots first-rounder who flamed out in Foxborough but quietly rebuilt some of his reputation out west in San Francisco.
After stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy in 2025, Jones put together a solid 5-3 record and tossed 13 touchdown passes, showing poise and command in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient-and that’s something the Jets could use right now.
Jones, now with 63 career starts under his belt, brings something that’s in short supply among the available quarterback pool this offseason: real NFL experience. And not just mop-up duty or a few spot starts-he’s been through the highs and lows of being a full-time starter in two very different systems.
In San Francisco, the environment seemed to suit him. With a strong supporting cast and a scheme designed to simplify reads and maximize timing, Jones looked more like the guy New England thought they were drafting.
Some around the league even wondered aloud if he might’ve been the better option over Purdy down the stretch. That’s how much his stock quietly rose.
But this is still a complicated situation for the Jets.
Jones is under contract for 2026, which means if New York wants him, they’d need to work out a trade. That’s where things get tricky.
The Jets aren’t exactly flush with draft capital or eager to part with key assets, and there’s no guarantee the 49ers are even looking to move him. They may prefer to keep Jones as a reliable backup behind Purdy-or another QB-needy team could jump in and outbid New York entirely.
Then there’s the Patriots chapter in Jones’ career, which can’t be ignored. His time in New England was rocky, to say the least.
The offense never really clicked, the coaching carousel didn’t help, and Jones often looked like a quarterback stuck in a system that didn’t play to his strengths. While not all of that was on him, the results weren’t pretty.
It’s part of what makes him a potential reclamation project rather than a surefire solution.
Still, if the Jets are looking for a veteran with starting experience who’s shown he can manage a game and thrive in the right situation, Jones checks a few important boxes. He’s not the flashiest name on the market, but he might be one of the more realistic options-if the price is right.
For a franchise still searching for stability at the most important position in football, exploring a deal for Mac Jones might not be the wildest idea on the table.