There's a solid chance the San Francisco 49ers look to trade backup quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, especially after he helped resurrect his career in relief of the injured Brock Purdy and helmed his team to a 5-3 record during that span.
Jones, who's under contract through 2026, should have some suitors, especially in light of relatively thin free-agent and NFL Draft classes at the position.
And the Niners may look to capitalize on Jones' newfound value.
Quarterback-needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings could easily be calling. So could the New York Jets, who've seemingly been in signal-caller purgatory for decades now.
However, according to one Fox Sports analyst, a proposed trade for Gang Green is downright laughable, even from the Niners' vantage point.
Jonathan Vilma suggests Jets offer multiple 1st-round picks to 49ers for Mac Jones
As New York was on its way to a third win of the season against the Atlanta Falcons back on Nov. 30, Fox Sports' Jonathan Vilma nevertheless pointed out the Jets' problems and ineptitude at quarterback that have plagued the franchise for years.
His suggestion? Trade for Jones.
OK, not bad. But you have to read the full quote.
"I could see the Jets trading a couple of first [round NFL Draft picks] for perhaps a Brock Purdy or Mac Jones," Vilma said.
San Francisco just gave Purdy $265 million, so his name is off the table in a would-be trade, leaving Jones as the default.
But, two Round 1 picks to the 49ers for Jones' services?
Wow.
It'd be one thing if Jones was a perennial Pro Bowler with multiple years of high-caliber play, which would warrant two first-round picks that'd likely be awfully high in the draft order. Yet Jones is just now coming out of the resurrection of his career, and he still carries the reputation of merely being successful in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. True, Vilma might be thinking about how now-Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold used his lone year in the Bay Area to completely turn around his floundering career.
But, still... two first-round picks for Jones is downright laughable.
Even Niners fans would admit it.
Hey, though. If New York made the offer, San Francisco would sprint to the "accept trade" button faster than any prospect running the 40-yard dash.