If you're looking for a potential quarterback shake-up this offseason, keep an eye on Mac Jones. After a solid year backing up in San Francisco, the former Patriots starter might be on the move again - and this time, with a clearer path to a starting role.
Jones signed a two-year, $8.41 million deal with the 49ers last offseason and made the most of his opportunities. He appeared in 11 games, starting eight, and threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns. For a player who was largely written off after a rocky end in New England, that’s a strong bounce-back campaign - and it’s enough to put him back on the radar for teams in need of quarterback depth or even a new QB1.
One team to watch? The Minnesota Vikings.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Vikings could be a logical landing spot for Jones. Barnwell floated a trade scenario that would send Jones - along with a 2027 third-round pick - to Minnesota in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, plus two conditional selections: a 2027 fifth-rounder and a 2028 third-rounder, both tied to Jones’ performance and future with the team.
Here’s how the conditions break down:
- If Jones starts at least four games for the Vikings in 2026, San Francisco would receive a 2027 fifth-round pick.
- If he starts 12 games, that pick becomes a third-rounder.
- And if Jones re-signs with Minnesota after the 2026 season and starts at least one game in 2027, the 49ers would get another third-round pick.
That’s a layered deal, but it makes sense for both sides. For the 49ers, it’s a chance to recoup value for a player who’s currently behind Brock Purdy on the depth chart. For the Vikings, it’s a low-risk, high-upside swing on a quarterback who’s still just a few years removed from being a first-round pick.
Minnesota’s quarterback situation is far from settled. J.J.
McCarthy, entering his third season, hasn’t quite cemented himself as the long-term answer. He played a central role in the Vikings missing the playoffs, and while there’s still upside in his game, the team needs legitimate competition in the quarterback room.
That’s where Jones comes in. He’s got starting experience, playoff pedigree, and - after a season of development in Kyle Shanahan’s system - he’s arguably in a better place than he was when he left New England. If Minnesota is serious about pushing McCarthy and raising the floor of their quarterback play, Jones could be the best option available on the trade market.
We’ve seen how quickly situations can change in the NFL, especially at quarterback. And while Mac Jones may not be the flashiest name out there, he’s proven he can run an offense, manage a game, and make plays when given the right structure. For a team like the Vikings, that might be exactly what they need.