Still unknown though is whether McCarthy will be 100% healthy and in position to assume the starting role by the opener after missing so much time.
“I can’t sit here and tell you I know anything for certain,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I know that I’m willing to believe in the person that we have. That position is about talent and preparation. And he’s got those things in spades. And so if that’s the course of action we decide, we’ll go there confidently.”
The team needs a backup plan in case McCarthy’s not ready, a better option than Nick Mullens. Jones makes sense in that role.
Signed in late November after being released by the New York Giants, Jones needs an opportunity to revitalize his career in the same way that Darnold needed it last year. Maybe O’Connell can produce a similar outcome.
The organization has placed great faith in O’Connell to pick and develop a franchise quarterback. That plan started last spring. Now it’s time to continue with it.