NFL Trade Rumor: Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons emerge as top landing spots for $8.41M San Francisco 49ers' star
The San Francisco 49ers’ backup quarterback Mac Jones has been a regular name when it comes to trade rumors. While several teams have been linked to him, the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers have emerged as potential landing spots for him.CategoryDetailsPlayerMac JonesCurrent TeamSan Franci
By Mahima Roy
The San Francisco 49ers’ backup quarterback Mac Jones has been a regular name when it comes to trade rumors.
While several teams have been linked to him, the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers have emerged as potential landing spots for him.CategoryDetailsPlayerMac JonesCurrent TeamSan Francisco 49ersRumored TeamsCarolina Panthers, Atlanta FalconsContract Status1 Year Remaining (Unrestricted Free Agent in 2027)Salary Cap Hit (New Team)$1.4 Million (Base salary inherited by the acquiring team)Trade LikelihoodLow to ModerateLatest Insider UpdatePanthers and Falcons emerge as logical landing spots due to ongoing quarterback competitions and injury coverage needsPotential ReturnMid-to-Late Round Pick (Projected Day 2 or early Day 3 selection, though 49ers have asked for a 2nd-round pick)Which teams are interested in Mac Jones?In the last few weeks, a number of rival teams have been linked to Mac Jones.
As per NFL insiders, the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers are rumored to be eyeing him.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few hours ago, the Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton noted in a recent report, “If Atlanta is again around the .500 mark before the trade deadline, it should make an offer for Jones.
In terms of durability, Jones would be a far more reliable quarterback than Penix and Tagovailoa…The Falcons wouldn't give up on much upside if they pursue the 49ers' sixth-year veteran signal-caller.
On a one-year, $1.4 million base salary, Jones wouldn't cost much against the salary cap, which makes him a feasible acquisition for a middling team in one of the weaker divisions across the league.”Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton added, “Carolina could have the best of both worlds, acquiring a potential upgrade at quarterback while keeping its first-round pick for a chance at a top prospect in next year's draft.
It's worth noting that Jones finished with a better passer rating and QBR than Young last season.
Jones played under respected play-calling head coach Kyle Shanahan in 2025.
That said, he also played well in the final four weeks of the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing for six touchdowns and three interceptions while averaging 235 passing yards.”Contract details and salary cap implicationsIf Mac Jones is traded by the San Francisco 49ers, the team would instantly clear off his $1.4 million salary from the team’s books.But the team will be hit with a $1.79 million dead cap hit after trading Mac Jones.
For the Atlanta Falcons or the Carolina Panthers to trade for Mac Jones, either of the teams would have to take on his highly affordable $1.4 million base salary, a $100,000 workout bonus, and any performance incentives.How could the trade impact the teams?For the Atlanta Falcons, trading for Mac Jones is relatively affordable as he would provide a reliable, experienced backup option behind an ageing Kirk Cousins.For the Carolina Panthers, trading for Mac Jones is also affordable but he might immediately challenge Bryce Young for the starting job.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
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