After a remarkable stint with the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback Mac Jones finds himself at the center of trade rumors. Having stepped up when Brock Purdy was sidelined last season, Jones played a pivotal role in the Niners' playoff journey. His performance has naturally caught the eye of several quarterback-needy teams, yet the path to a starting role in San Francisco remains blocked by Purdy.
Jones, aware of the situation, has expressed his desire to start, while acknowledging the business aspect of the NFL. "Honestly, it's a business.
You know how this goes," Jones commented. "I've proven I can be a starter in multiple spots.
I have 50-plus starts or whatever. I know how to do it, but it's also a business.
I understand both sides of it."
Despite this, reports from Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom suggest the 49ers are keen on retaining Jones for the 2026 season. Even with a hefty $60M invested in starting quarterback Brock Purdy and other pressing roster needs, the team seems intent on holding onto their reliable backup.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed this sentiment, expressing surprise at the notion of Jones leaving. "I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year," Shanahan stated, emphasizing the value of keeping talented players within the team.
While it might seem surprising for the Niners to potentially block Jones from starting elsewhere, they’re not about to let him go without careful consideration. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets could be interested, each facing unique quarterback challenges.
The Steelers await clarity from Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings seek a veteran backup for J.J. McCarthy, and both the Dolphins and Jets are exploring new directions at the position. However, with Jones proving his worth and still only 27, these teams now have one less quarterback option to explore this offseason.