Could Mac Jones be the next NFL comeback story? One prominent analyst believes the former Patriots quarterback might follow the exact path that revived Sam Darnold’s career. 🏈

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Rich Eisen Says Mac Jones Could Be the “Next Sam Darnold”

NFL analyst Rich Eisen believes San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones might be on the verge of a career resurgence similar to the one Sam Darnold experienced.

Jones spent the 2025 season backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco under head coach Kyle Shanahan, a system widely credited for helping quarterbacks rediscover their potential.

According to Eisen, that experience could set Jones up for a breakout opportunity elsewhere.

“Mac Jones has the stuff to be the next Sam Darnold,” Eisen said on The Rich Eisen Show.

Eisen explained that with the right team, timing, and supporting cast, Jones could rebuild his career in the same way Darnold did.

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The Sam Darnold Blueprint

Darnold’s career once looked like it might fade after early struggles.

The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft played three seasons with the New York Jets before moving to the Carolina Panthers.

His turning point came in 2023, when the San Francisco 49ers signed him as Brock Purdy’s backup.

After spending a season learning Shanahan’s offense, Darnold left in free agency and revived his career.

His turnaround included:

• 14-win season with the Minnesota Vikings (2024)
• Another 14-win season with the Seattle Seahawks (2025)
• Super Bowl championship with Seattle

That dramatic comeback has become a model for struggling quarterbacks looking to rebuild their careers.

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Mac Jones’ Journey So Far

Jones’ career has also been a rollercoaster.

He entered the NFL as the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 draft, selected by the New England Patriots.

Jones immediately showed promise, earning a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie.

However, his career stalled in New England before the team traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.

After another transition, Jones joined the 49ers in 2025, where he spent the season behind Purdy and learning Shanahan’s system.

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Trade Interest Could Be Coming

Jones is entering the final year of his two-year, $8.41 million contract, and teams around the league could explore trade options this offseason.

However, the 49ers may prefer to keep him.

Both Kyle Shanahan and team president John Lynch have reportedly expressed interest in retaining Jones as Purdy’s backup.

Still, if a quarterback-needy team comes calling, Jones could receive a new opportunity to start.

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A Chance for a Career Reset

The idea of Jones following Darnold’s path isn’t far-fetched.

Shanahan’s offensive system has helped multiple quarterbacks elevate their careers, and Jones reportedly played well during limited opportunities in 2025.

If he lands with the right organization, Eisen believes Jones could surprise the league.

Just like Darnold did.