Former Patriot labeled the next Sam Darnold with potential for career resurgence

The New England Patriots have their QB for the next decade and a half in Drake Maye, but before the ex-UNC star, Mac Jones was the supposed future in New England. After finishing second in OROY voting and leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record, the future looked bright for New England, but Jones would go 10-18 over the next two seasons with New England.

Last season, Jones had a resurgence in Brock Purdy's absence. He finished 5-3 as a starter with three games over 300 yards passing and a win over the Rams. He had 13 touchdowns to six interceptions and has been the subject of trade talks since Brock Purdy's return to the lineup.

The 49ers underwent something of a reset year in 2025 despite their solid season, which ended after a 35-point loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

If the Niners have the chance to move a backup quarterback for draft picks and continue to bolster their squad after a reset year, they'd be wise to do so.

Mac Jones likened to Sam Darnold as next potential breakout QB

Over the past few seasons, we've seen several formerly highly touted quarterbacks resurrect their careers. Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, and Malik Willis have found footholds in the NFL. One of the more successful signal callers in the league this season was Sam Darnold, who turned his career around significantly compared to his time with the Jets.

Now a Super Bowl champion and $100 million quarterback, being compared to Darnold would be a compliment.

Following the success of both Jones and Darnold this season, ESPN's Rich Eisen believes Jones is the most likely quarterback to resurrect his career after a change of scenery, specifically citing him as a potential "next Sam Darnold."

Looking at each quarterback's career thus far, Jones and Darnold's paths share a shocking amount of crossover. Both wrapped up their time in the AFC East after three seasons with a trade down south (Jacksonville and Carolina).

Their time with each squad didn't go as planned, and they'd both sign with the 49ers as a backup. Darnold would sign with the Vikings and become a $100 million QB the next year. As it stands, Jones being traded to the Vikings is considered a very real possibility.

It's easy to see the similarities between the quarterbacks' careers thus far, and should Jones be dealt to the Vikings, their paths would be nearly identical. While New England is in an excellent spot QB-wise now, they'd have looked very foolish had Maye not become the player he is today.