The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be light on quarterback talent, and that shortage could set off a domino effect across the league this offseason. With few options available in free agency and even fewer in the draft, teams in need of a signal-caller might be forced to look toward the trade market-and that’s where Mac Jones enters the picture.
Jones, who signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the 49ers this past offseason, finds himself in an interesting spot. Brock Purdy has cemented his role as San Francisco’s starter, and with no real quarterback controversy brewing, the Niners may see Jones as a valuable trade chip rather than a long-term backup.
And make no mistake-there’s value here. With so many teams hunting for stability under center and the draft class offering limited answers, Jones could draw real interest.
According to reports, a trade package for the 25-year-old quarterback could include a Day 2 pick and a Day 3 pick swap. That’s not nothing, especially when you consider the return the Jets got for Sam Darnold a few years back-a second, a fourth, and a sixth-round pick.
While Darnold was younger and had more time left on his rookie deal at the time, Jones’ recent play could still command a solid return.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Jones was a first-round pick by the Patriots back in 2021 and looked the part early, helping New England reach the playoffs in his rookie season.
But after a promising start, the wheels came off in his next two years in Foxborough, leading to a trade to Jacksonville in 2024. It was a fresh start, but not a long stay.
Fast forward to this season-Jones found himself back in the spotlight when Purdy missed time with an injury. In 11 appearances, including eight starts, Jones threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He looked sharp, poised, and more like the quarterback we saw in his rookie campaign. It was a reminder that, in the right system and with the right support, Jones can still be a capable starter in this league.
Now, as the offseason looms, Jones’ name is starting to buzz again. Teams like the Dolphins and Jets-both potentially in the market for a quarterback-could come calling. A return to the AFC East isn’t out of the question, and depending on how the quarterback carousel spins, Jones could find himself with another opportunity to lead a team.
For the 49ers, it’s a classic case of asset management. They don’t need Jones as a starter, but his value-especially in a quarterback-thin market-is too high to ignore. If the right offer comes along, San Francisco could flip a backup into meaningful draft capital, and Jones could get his shot at redemption with a team that needs him more.
It’s early, but keep an eye on this one. The quarterback market is always unpredictable, and Mac Jones might just be one of the most intriguing names on the board.