It feels like all roads for the New York Jets are starting to lead toward one topic: finding their next franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft.

At 2-8, the Jets’ 2025 season has gone off the rails. It’s hard to look at this version of the team and see a long-term answer at quarterback.

Justin Fields remains under contract through next season, but after another uneven year, the front office is expected to explore all options.

Whether that means bringing in a proven veteran or taking another swing in the draft, the Jets simply can’t afford to stand pat.

Several veteran bridge options have been mentioned as potential fits for the Jets, including Kirk Cousins, Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Mariota, and even a possible trade for Kyler Murray.

But one name that deserves more serious consideration is a familiar face who finds himself out west with the San Francisco 49ers: former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.

Jones’ career resurgence

Jones has quietly rebuilt his reputation in San Francisco, thriving in a limited but efficient role behind Brock Purdy.

Across eight starts in relief of Purdy, Jones has led the 49ers to a 5-3 record while posting highly efficient numbers, such as 7.4 yards per attempt, a 70% completion rate, a 97.4 passer rating, and a respectable 13-to-6 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions.

Of course, context matters. Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system has a way of polishing almost anyone who runs it. Still, that connection only strengthens Jones’ potential fit with the Jets, whose offensive structure mirrors much of what San Francisco does.

Jones signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the 49ers this offseason, meaning any interested team would need to acquire him via trade. The good news? His 2026 base salary sits at just $2.8 million, making him an affordable, low-risk option for a franchise like the Jets facing major financial strain at the position.

Between Aaron Rodgers’ $35 million in dead money and the $22 million in guarantees still owed to Fields, the Jets can’t afford another expensive gamble under center in 2026.

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What separates Jones from other bridge options?

It doesn’t make much sense for a rebuilding Jets team to bring in another older name like Jacoby Brissett, Kirk Cousins, or Marcus Mariota.

At this stage of their careers, we know precisely who those players are: reliable backups who can get you through a game, but not guys who change the direction of a franchise.

A Kyler Murray trade doesn’t make sense either. The cost, the injuries, and the personality fit don’t line up with what the Jets need right now.

Jones, though, is a different kind of gamble. He’s just 27, has helped San Francisco to a winning record this year, and comes with an affordable contract that wouldn’t financially handcuff the team.

While the team would need to acquire him via trade, the price tag would most likely be relatively inexpensive, perhaps some day three draft picks.

Jones could be the Jets’ ideal bridge quarterback: someone who can guide a rookie quarterback, push the offense forward, and keep the team competitive in 2026 without throwing a first-year signal caller right into the fire.