In the 2025 season, Mac Jones stepped in for Brock Purdy and made a strong impression as the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback. With a 5-3 record in his eight starts, Jones threw 13 touchdowns against six interceptions, completing nearly 70% of his passes and earning a 97.4 passer rating.
His performance was crucial in keeping the 49ers competitive in the NFC race. As Jones remains under contract for one more season, any team interested in acquiring him will need to negotiate a trade.
Given the high demand for quarterbacks, the 49ers could potentially receive a significant return for their backup. Let's explore three teams that could be ideal fits for Jones in the offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers
If Aaron Rodgers decides to retire, the Pittsburgh Steelers will find themselves in need of a quarterback. With Mike McCarthy at the helm, the team isn't looking to enter a rebuilding phase. Trading for Jones could provide McCarthy with a stable option at quarterback for 2026, aligning with the Steelers' history of seeking quick fixes at the position.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are on the hunt for a quarterback upgrade and are expected to be aggressive this offseason. After the departure of Sam Darnold, the team is eager to recapture its 2024 success. With JJ McCarthy's performance in 2025 being less than stellar, acquiring Jones could offer the Vikings a reliable starter for at least one season, though they would still face long-term questions at the position.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are in a rebuilding phase and might consider acquiring draft picks, as the 2026 NFL Draft lacks a standout quarterback prospect. While they might draft a quarterback in the later rounds to develop, they need a competent presence at the position in the meantime.
Trading for Jones could provide the Jets with stability on offense for a year, despite having traded key players like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. This move could help maintain some level of competitiveness and support the coaching staff and roster.