Who will 49ers peg to back up quarterback Brock Purdy in 2024?

49ers option No. 4: Perhaps a pair of Patriots looking to find gold

After the failure that was the 2023 NFL Season for the New England Patriots, they may look to move on from either young quarterback still on their rookie contract. The Pats have been non-committal on Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe.

San Francisco has traded with the Patriots before to gain a quarterback, Jimmy Garopplo. This time, the price will not be as high as a second-round pick, either.

Jones has produced relatively better numbers than Zappe but has also seen more playing time. In 2023, Jones threw for 2,120 yards while completing 65 percent of his throws.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide player has thrown 10 touchdowns but also 12 picks. His best game may have been against Buffalo on Oct. 22 when he threw for 272 yards on 25 of 35 passing. He had two scores in the air and did not record an interception in the win.

Jones' season looked promising, as he played well in the Week 1 loss at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. He lit up the Eagles' secondary by throwing 35 of 54 with 316 yards, three scores and one interception.

When Jones struggled in the second half of the season, though, Zappe took over under center. The latter produced six touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023 while collecting 1,272 yards thrown.

Zappe had two particular games where he looked like a stud, too. There was a Thursday night game at Pittsburgh where he went 19-of-28 for 240 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Zappe had another big primetime display (and win) on Christmas Eve on the road against the Denver Broncos. He has 256 yards and two scores while completing 75 percent of his passes.

If New England was to move on from Jones and/or Zappe, either one could be available for a mid- or late-round draft pick.