The NFL is currently in pursuit of the next quarterback who can redefine their career much like Sam Darnold did this past season. After years of being labeled a “bust,” Darnold took the field as the Seattle Seahawks quarterback and led his team to a second Lombardi Trophy, proving that a fresh start can reignite a faltering career.
As teams analyze their quarterback situations, the potential for finding a promising player among those who have struggled in past environments has become a hot topic. Football analyst Rich Eisen has singled out Mac Jones as a strong candidate for this role. He stated, “Mac Jones, in my estimation, is the most likely candidate to be the next Sam Darnold of anybody else,” highlighting the impact of Kyle Shanahan”s coaching style on quarterbacks.
Jones, while not experiencing the same dramatic fall from grace as Darnold, did face challenges during his time with the New England Patriots. His tenure concluded with multiple benchings, and he had a rocky season in Jacksonville, starting seven games with a record of 2-5, where he threw eight touchdowns against eight interceptions. Nevertheless, he managed to revitalize his prospects while playing for the San Francisco 49ers, stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy and finishing with a 5-3 record. During that stretch, he accumulated 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
Currently, Jones remains under contract with the 49ers for another season, which could make him an appealing option for teams looking to take a chance on a quarterback with potential. A possible trade for Jones could provide teams the opportunity to gauge his skill set and potentially secure him for a longer-term deal if he performs well.
Darnold”s triumph with the Seahawks will undoubtedly prompt other teams to reconsider previously discarded quarterbacks. His journey serves as a reminder that with the right environment and support, even those labeled as failures can rise to success.
