Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for a QB.
There have been enough reclamation projects at the position to hold out hope that any former first-round pick could make a comeback. Sam Darnold went from a New York laughingstock to winning 14 games in Minnesota.
Does anyone remember how terrible Geno Smith was out of the gates with the Jets?
Mac Jones was largely a disaster throughout his tenure with the Patriots but showed some flashes in spot starts last year in Jacksonville. He did enough to earn a two-year contract with San Francisco to play under Kyle Shanahan, who strongly considered taking the ex-Alabama superstar third overall in 2021.
Even as a backup, FOX sports analyst Kevin Wildes loves the potential of this new union — though there’s a caveat to his over-the-top Jones praise.
“I don’t love this deal—I adore it,” Wildes said. “Iron sharpens iron. It’s also going to be good for Brock Purdy. Brock needs someone to push him.”
It’s important to note Wildes is a sarcastic New England native who was clearly being a bit tongue-in-cheek with his analysis.
Regardless, his point had some (tiny) merit.
If Jones is going to succeed as a pro, it’ll be in a West Coast offense that allows him to be stationary and make quick decisions. And if Purdy and the front office can’t reach an agreement on a long-term extension, or he goes down, Jones will have a prime chance in Shanahan’s aerial attack to turn his career around.
