Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/11/24/mac-jones-landing-spots-steelers-vikings-dolphins/87363200007/?tbref=hp

The NFL has seen a handful of reclamation projects turn into quality starting quarterbacks in recent offseasons.

In 2023, it was Baker Mayfield, who joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent and helped transition the team to the post-Tom Brady era with ease. In 2024, Sam Darnold enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Minnesota Vikings, leading them to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth.

The 2025 NFL season has thus far been defined by the emergence of Daniel Jones as a quality starting quarterback with the Indianapolis Colts.

Could Mac Jones be the next highly-drafted quarterback to shed his bust label? Jones has earned some flowers in 2025 for leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 5-3 record without Brock Purdy. The 2021 first-round pick of the New England Patriots has completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while logging a career-best 97.4 passer rating.

Jones signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the 49ers during 2025 free agency. Kyle Shanahan's squad could opt to keep the 27-year-old as a high-end backup behind Purdy in 2026, but general manager John Lynch could also explore whether teams across the NFL will be willing to surrender draft capital for Jones as they search for long-term starters at quarterback.