Coming out of the first week of free agency, the San Francisco 49ers have made some strategic moves, adding Osa Odighizuwa and Mike Evans to their roster. These additions bolster their lineup, but the 49ers aren't quite finished yet.
They still need to strengthen their wide receiver corps and find a new pass rusher to complement Nick Bosa. With some cap space available, they also have the potential to gain valuable draft capital through a savvy trade.
One intriguing possibility involves trading backup quarterback Mac Jones to the Pittsburgh Steelers for an early-round pick. The 49ers could capitalize on the current buzz surrounding the 27-year-old quarterback, as suggested by Moe Moton. While the 49ers might be hesitant to part with Jones, given their high asking price, trading him could be a smart move.
Moton's proposal suggests that the 49ers could negotiate for an early-round draft pick in exchange for Jones. Although a first-rounder might be a stretch, a second-round pick is certainly within reach, particularly if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return to the Steelers.
Last season, Jones stepped up for the 49ers, throwing for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns while filling in for Brock Purdy. However, with Purdy secured under a lucrative contract, the 49ers' best play might be to trade Jones to a quarterback-needy team like the Steelers, allowing them to gather resources to build a contender for 2026.
Time is of the essence for the 49ers, as key players like Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle are getting older, and major contracts loom for other stars. Trading Jones for an early-round pick could be a win-win, especially if Rodgers remains out of the Steelers' picture.