The San Francisco 49ers are rolling after their third straight win to begin the season. Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level, and the team seems to be clicking on all cylinders.
Their 36-30 win against the Cardinals on Sunday highlighted an unsettling trend, however. The defense has gotten increasingly worse each of the first three games, as they've allowed 7, 13, and 30 points respectively, and there's an obvious explanation as to why
Seemingly every week, the 49ers add another package of names to the injury list. Edge rusher Nick Bosa was ruled out for multiple weeks leading up to Week 3, and defenders Dre Greenlaw, Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Gracen Halton all got banged up in the win.
With injuries compounding, the 49ers might have a solution to keep Raheem Morris' squad afloat until players return to health. Backup quarterback Mac Jones has been involved in trade speculation since the offseason, and now might be the perfect time to make something happen.
49ers now have the missing piece they need to trade Mac Jones
Though nothing has materialized to this point, several teams have already lost their starting QBs and are in desperate need of an upgrade. Jones represents a serviceable replacement option that could help a team win in the meantime.
Given their laundry list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers could easily dangle Jones in front of a few of these teams in order to acquire more healthy bodies,, respcially when such perfect trade partners eagerly await.
The New York Giants, for example, just lost signal caller Jaxson Dart for the year and have already publicly expressed interest in acquiring quarterback talent. Other teams that have suffered injuries to their quarterback include the Bears, Commanders, and Buccaneers.
San Francisco now has something they didn't have in the offseason: leverage. All of the aforementioned teams are primed to compete for a playoff spot this year, and Jones has proved he can lead a team in the wake of an untimely injury. He did just that last year when Brock Purdy missed eight games due to turf toe.
Week 3 win highlighted luxury that makes Mac Jones expendable
With the injury bug plaguing Niners camp at the moment, it may come as a shock to see the team shop around their depth. After all, the best way to combat ailments is by having adequate backups who can step in and help the team win. But Brock Purdy is the only starting QB in the league who hasn't taken a sack.
It's a testament to both Purdy's pocket awareness and the offensive line. Regardless of who deserves the most praise, though, it's clear that the 49ers are excelling at keeping their franchise cornerstone out of harm's way. Purdy is not untouchable, but there is a solid chance Mac Jones will not be needed this year.
The offense is humming through three games, and Mac Jones is looking to be more of an expendable piece as the season progresses. If San Francisco is serious about making a Super Bowl run, then it needs to bolster the defense, which has been losing players left and right.
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