Could the Patriots and the 49ers make a quarterback swap?

A trade proposal suggested by Mike Florio would send Patriots’ quarterback Mac Jones to the 49ers in return for Trey Lance.  Does this trade make sense?  Could both teams and players benefit from the trade?

Honestly, it’s not a terrible idea. Here’s more of what Mike Florio had to say about this hypothetical trade:

"And here’s a potential transaction that makes plenty of sense. Lance for Mac Jones, straight up.The 49ers would get the quarterback many believe Shanahan wanted to take with the third overall pick in 2021. The Patriots would unload a disgruntled player who has alienated coach Bill Belichick by overriding the Stepford Patriot programming.The two teams did some quarterback business more than five years ago, for Jimmy Garoppolo. This would be an intriguing bit of potential business, if both sides realize that it could be the best way for both players, and both franchises, to move forward."

So, Trey Lance was the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.  He was the third QB off the board.  Mac Jones was picked with the 15th overall selection by the New England Patriots.  After two seasons, it’s clear that both players have not done nearly enough to establish themselves as franchise quarterbacks.

However, both have that type of talent, so could the two sides swallow their pride, acknowledge their mistake and move on from each player?

Maybe.

The QB situation would be more cut and dry in New England, as Lance would almost certainly be installed as the QB1, and being able to work with a strong offensive mind in Bill O’Brien would certainly help.

The 49ers would be in an interesting spot.  Brock Purdy, 2022’s Mr. Irrelevant, seems to be the unquestioned starter, but I don’t think it’s outrageous to suggest that Mac Jones is the better player.

The Niners could give Jones the reigns to the team and maybe trade Purdy when healthy.  Either way, this trade proposal does have some sense to it.