Sam Darnold, a former No. 3 pick, was added to the San Francisco 49ers by general manager John Lynch this season as a depth addition, but this offseason, Darnold might play for Lynch’s previous team.
Given the team’s needs at quarterback in 2024, Spotrac projects that to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Baker Mayfield has the option to walk in free agency, the Buccaneers do not have any seasoned veterans to replace him.
The Buccaneers want to sign Darnold for “a one year, $2 million contract to cement the [quarterback] room” in the upcoming season, according to Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac. Behind Mayfield, the Buccaneers only have third-string quarterback John Wolford and former second-round selection Kyle Trask.
Ginnitti believes that the Niners will go for Mac Jones, the quarterback for the New England Patriots, even though the 49ers could afford Darnold. According to Ginnitti, Jones, a former No. 15 pick, may be acquired for trading spots in the seventh round of the draft as a result of his struggles and benching this year.
It’s still unclear if Jones would be a better option than Darnold. Given the injury history and sporadic poor play of starting quarterback Brock Purdy in less than two seasons, it is critical that the 49ers provide a proper response to that question.
Furthermore, a number of NFL clubs have experienced the loss of starting quarterbacks this season; the 49ers are well aware that injuries can happen at any time. One could argue that it cost the 49ers a Super Bowl trip the previous year.
Which Is More Logical?
Mac Jones vs. Sam Darnold:
Both Darnold and Jones, two once highly-touted quarterbacks in the AFC East who failed to make an impression with their original teams, are viable options for San Francisco to select from.
During his four seasons as a starter, Darnold never had a winning season since joining the New York Jets in 2018. In every season that he started more than 11 games, he also never passed for more than 19 touchdowns or fewer than 11 interceptions.
San Francisco’s current sample size of capabilities is modest. In eight game appearances, Darnold completed 60% of his attempts on 12–20 passing for 108 yards and a score against one interception.
The majority of that occurred in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, when he failed to motivate the 49ers at a prime moment. In a 33-19 loss, he completed one touchdown pass but wasted an opportunity to get his team within a touchdown within the Ravens’ 10-yard line.
Although Jones’ third season with the Patriots ended badly, he has outperformed Darnold in terms of success. Despite having 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns in a season that was above and above Darnold’s, Jones shone as a rookie and guided the Patriots to the postseason.
But since 2021, Jones has only declined. In 2023, he passed for 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions while playing for a 6-8 Patriots team.
With 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, and a 2-9 record in 11 starts this season, Jones’s decline continued.
Mac Jones and Sam Darnold Could Fit Into 49ers?
Two former first-round quarterbacks sitting behind a former Mr. Irrelevant would be something, I suppose. If the 49ers trade for Jones and re-sign Darnold, that might occur.
Because third-string quarterback Brandon Allen is a free agent after the season, San Francisco may have room. With three quarterbacks who have substantial starting experience, the 49ers will now have a loaded quarterback room.
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