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The Carolina Panthers are coming out of another great offseason, where they added some top free agents in areas of need and pieced together a strong draft class. And if all continues to go to plan, then quarterback Bryce Young—in perhaps the most important storyline of their upcoming campaign—should take the next step in his development en route to an NFC South title defense.
But nothing in the NFL is guaranteed.
What if Young gets injured early on? Or what if he, like in 2024, completely falters and leaves head coach Dave Canales with a tough choice to make under center?
In that case, ESPN may have a good Plan B for them. San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones has been listed among their early candidates to be moved at the NFL's 2026 deadline.
Insider Dan Graziano writes:
Jones looked awful, at times, early in his career with the New England Patriots—but he was a pleasant surprise last season with the 49ers. He wound up going 5-3 with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a career-best 97.4 passer rating.
For a backup you're not going to find better production, and Jones would be a dramatic upgrade over either Kenny Pickett or Will Grier for the spot behind Young.
Of course ,it's probably worth mentioning that the 49ers have made it known they have no intention of trading Jones. That means any potential offer will have to wow them in order to pry Jones away.
It's worth a conversation, though—because Jones could not only fill in as an excellent backup, but he might also have the potential to replace Young as a starter if Carolina is forced into that route. He is still young at 27 years old, has 57 career starts under his belt and seems to be getting better with time.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 49ers QB Mac Jones could be Plan B for Panthers if Bryce Young fails
Continue reading...
But nothing in the NFL is guaranteed.
What if Young gets injured early on? Or what if he, like in 2024, completely falters and leaves head coach Dave Canales with a tough choice to make under center?
In that case, ESPN may have a good Plan B for them. San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones has been listed among their early candidates to be moved at the NFL's 2026 deadline.
Insider Dan Graziano writes:
Jones looked awful, at times, early in his career with the New England Patriots—but he was a pleasant surprise last season with the 49ers. He wound up going 5-3 with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a career-best 97.4 passer rating.
For a backup you're not going to find better production, and Jones would be a dramatic upgrade over either Kenny Pickett or Will Grier for the spot behind Young.
Of course ,it's probably worth mentioning that the 49ers have made it known they have no intention of trading Jones. That means any potential offer will have to wow them in order to pry Jones away.
It's worth a conversation, though—because Jones could not only fill in as an excellent backup, but he might also have the potential to replace Young as a starter if Carolina is forced into that route. He is still young at 27 years old, has 57 career starts under his belt and seems to be getting better with time.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 49ers QB Mac Jones could be Plan B for Panthers if Bryce Young fails
Continue reading...
