49ers Staying Put with Mac Jones - For Now
Mac Jones’ NFL journey took a sharp turn in 2025 - and in the best way possible. After stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy and showing he still has the tools to lead an offense, Jones reminded everyone why he was a first-round pick back in 2021. Now, with quarterback-needy teams circling, the San Francisco 49ers are holding firm: they’re not ready to let him go.
According to multiple reports, including one from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers have no plans to trade Jones this offseason. The team reportedly intends to bring him back as Purdy’s backup in 2026. That aligns with what The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported earlier this week - San Francisco is simply not interested in dealing the former Alabama standout.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has echoed that sentiment, saying he doesn’t see Jones playing anywhere else next season. And it’s not hard to understand why.
Purdy’s injury last season forced the Niners to test their depth at the game’s most important position, and Jones delivered. Having a proven option behind your starter isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Still, there’s another side to this. Jones’ value may never be higher than it is right now.
He looked poised, confident, and capable in a system that demands precision. For a team like San Francisco, which has consistently drafted well and built a deep roster, flipping a backup quarterback for draft capital or a position of need could be tempting.
But for now, the Niners are staying the course. Whether that’s a long-term commitment or a strategic move to keep leverage in any potential trade conversations remains to be seen. Either way, teams like the Steelers, Dolphins, and Vikings - all of whom could be eyeing a quarterback this offseason - may need to look elsewhere.
Pittsburgh is still navigating the uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers’ future. Miami appears ready to move on from Tua Tagovailoa.
And Minnesota needs to figure out whether J.J. McCarthy is the guy or if they need someone more experienced to lead the offense.
As of now, Mac Jones isn’t on the market. And if the 49ers stick to that plan, he’ll be back in the red and gold in 2026, holding down one of the most important backup jobs in the league.