One game is in the books for the 2026 NFL season, and already we've gotten a stark reminder of how quickly the best-laid plans can go awry.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a comeback win over the New England Patriots, but they also lost starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury after just one drive. Drew Lock (with a little help from Seattle's elite defense) led the comeback, underscoring how important it is to have a respectable backup quarterback for every team.
The Atlanta Falcons don't have a clear starter going into Week 1, despite the fact that there are four quarterbacks currently on the roster.
One way the Falcons could upgrade their situation is via trade - and they have been pegged as a potential destination
for Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers by Bleacher Report.
"Teams that do view Jones as a potential QB1 could look to make a preemptive trade to acquire him now—which would open up the possibility to use the franchise tag for an audition in 2027. Jones is obviously a valuable backup behind Brock Purdy, but the 49ers should be willing to trade him for a price. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported that San Francisco was looking for a second-round pick and more early in the offseason. The market for Jones will peak if and when another contender loses its starting quarterback to injury. However, QB-needy teams that are looking ahead could come calling, too." - Kristopher Knox, B/R
Jones is one of the game's best backups, having gone 5-3 last season for the Niners while Brock Purdy was out due to injury. The former first-round pick threw for 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a career-best 97.4 passer rating.
There are legitimate questions about how well Jones could do when he doesn't have Kyle Shanahan calling the plays for him. With that said, Jones is a solid option. If the Falcons still have quarterback issues by Week 8, they should at least explore a deal for the 49ers' backup QB.
For now, Tua Tagovailoa is in line to start for the Falcons in their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons pegged as potential trade destination for 49ers QB
