While Mac Jones revived his career after filling in for an injured Brock Purdy and keeping the 49ers afloat in a playoff race, he has more than proven that he belongs on a franchise as a full-time starter. But which teams make the most sense? Of course, the Dolphins, Steelers, and Raiders are in play, but one team could use the help more than others.
The Atlanta Falcons have been as inconsistent as it comes at the QB position since the departure of franchise quarterback Matt Ryan. The team would lock itself into a massive contract with Kirk Cousins, and then, days later, draft Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Cousins would be named the starter, was injured and didn’t play very well, then the team inserted Penix Jr. for the last three games of the season last year.
Proving that he could play at the NFL level, the Falcons decided to name Penix Jr. the starter for the 2025 season, while Kirk Cousins would sit on the bench as the highest-paid backup in the league. Things went south quickly. Penix was benched, then injured, and Cousins would start against the Miami Dolphins, and the outcome in that game wasn’t what Atlanta had hoped it would be. Penix Jr. suffered a shutout loss to the Carolina Panthers, a surprising win against the Buffalo Bills, not in that order. Things were inconsistent yet again.
Cousins has once again been implemented into the lineup as a starter, filling in for Penix Jr, who was ruled out for the season with another knee injury. Although he has played well, the Falcons will spend another year at home come playoff time, and will more than likely look to deal Cousins this offseason. Enter Mac Jones.
Mac Jones could be on the Atlanta Falcons’ radar as a cost-effective starter who has proven himself against stiff competition, whether it is a placeholder until Michael Penix Jr. returns or a QB who will be handed the keys to the offense. Something must be done in Atlanta. Jones could fit the scheme well in Atlanta, but more than likely, the scheme will change if head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson are relieved of their duties at season’s end. Whether or not the two have earned themselves another year in Atlanta is a story for another day.
Atlanta could take advantage of a QB whose upside and value are so high right now while the contract remains affordable.