Mac Jones could become Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy insurance policy in 2026

Earlier this year, the Vikings said farewell to Sam Darnold 1.0. Next year, they could be saying hello to Sam Darnold 2.0.There's already chatter in some circles that, in the 2026 offseason, the Vikings will explore trading for 49ers quarterback Mac Jones.In 2024, after Darnold finished one season as the backup to Brock Purdy in San Francisco, the Vikings signed Darnold. He went on to become the wire-to-wire starter, and a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year. The Vikings let him leave in free agency.In March 2025, the 49ers wisely signed Jones, who has started eight games this season, to a two-year, $8.4 million contract. The Jones contract is an asset that can become a draft pick, or two, in 2026. First, the 49ers have to be certain that Purdy remains their long-term quarterback. As it stands, they can keep both Purdy and Jones through 2026 before making a choice between the two. (Purdy's contract has a natural out on or before April 1, 2027, when another $55 million becomes fully guaranteed.) But if the 49ers want to make a clear statement of support for Purdy, they'll trade Jones and find another backup who can run the Kyle Shanahan system.For the...