Insider proposes 49ers-Patriots trade involving Trey Lance, Mac Jones

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes he has a solution that could benefit the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots. 

Florio noted on Friday that 49ers quarterback and 2021 first-round draft pick Trey Lance needs "a fresh start" now that he's essentially been replaced atop the depth chart by a healthy Brock Purdy. Thus, Florio has proposed that San Francisco send Lance to the Patriots for signal-caller and fellow 2021 first-round choice Mac Jones "straight up." 

Florio mentioned that this transaction would give 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan the QB1 "many believe Shanahan wanted to take with the third overall pick in 2021." Such a trade would also permanently put any drama involving Jones and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to bed. 

At this point, one has to assume there is some legitimacy to the numerous rumors and stories that emerged this week claiming Belichick "shopped" Jones to other teams following the 2022 season because the coach remains ticked that the 24-year-old allegedly called individuals outside the New England organization for help when the team's offense was struggling this past campaign. 

Jones has since received that assistance in the form of new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, but it's possible the quarterback could want out of New England if he feels it's a matter of when and not if Belichick will look to turn to 2022 rookie Bailey Zappe this summer or fall. 

"The two teams did some quarterback business more than five years ago for Jimmy Garoppolo," Florio continued. "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." 

The 49ers played in three of the last four NFC Championship Games and may be without Purdy through at least November as he recovers from surgery he needed to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie and could be an upgrade over Purdy even when the final pick of the 2022 draft is cleared, while Lance should be able to beat Zappe in a summer competition for the Patriots' starting job. 

Florio's idea makes sense, and it could allow the Patriots to kick the tires on making a move for Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson before training camp.