Should Vikings Trade For Mac Jones? Narrative Grows As Ex-Patriot Impresses
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones has looked like a much different player this preseason.
The reasoning for that is multifold.
Jones is playing for a better offensive coaching staff in Jacksonville than he was in recent seasons with the New England Patriots. The fourth-year signal-caller also has seemed to benefit from a change of scenery given he's back in his hometown. And then there's the difference in defenses Jones has faced thus far -- no opponent is throwing their best stuff in preseason.
Regardless, Jones has looked capable of a starting job. The 2021 first-rounder won't have that opportunity in Jacksonville with Trevor Lawrence already having inked a long-term extension with the organization. So for Jones to receive such an opportunity he'll either need to be traded elsewhere or wait out the 2024 campaign and sign elsewhere in free agency.
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One potential landing spot for Jones already has surfaced: the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings were dealt a tough blow with the season-ending injury of 2024 first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota now is set to roll with much-maligned quarterback Sam Darnold headlining a depth chart with Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall and Matt Corral. It's not exactly the most inspiring group.
"I think guys are pretty confident in Sam Darnold," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell recently told reporters.
Despite that, the narrative of Jones to the Vikings has surfaced. And it's not slowing down among football fans on social media.
Would it make sense for Minnesota? It feels like it.
The Vikings wouldn't have to commit long-term to Jones, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. That would allow them to turn the reigns back over to McCarthy next season without any lingering awkwardness. They probably wouldn't have to give up a ton to get Jones either; perhaps a fourth- or fifth-round pick would do the job? Jacksonville acquired Jones from New England for a modest sixth-round pick and thus would see an immediate return.
At the very least, it would give Minnesota a more competitive quarterback room with Darnold and Jones. Jones, despite his failures in New England, would be an upgrade to those who are currently there. Chances are Jones would challenge Darnold, who enters the seven season of his career, in short order. Darnold has never proven himself to be capable of the starting job for a full season.