Mac Jones’ Future in San Francisco: Valuable Insurance or Trade Chip?
Quarterback-needy teams like the Steelers, Dolphins, and Jets will be watching the San Francisco 49ers closely this offseason-and not just for their Super Bowl-caliber roster. The name on their radar? Mac Jones.
After a turbulent stretch in New England, Jones found new life in San Francisco in 2025, stepping in when Brock Purdy went down with injury. He didn’t just hold the fort-he helped keep the 49ers in playoff contention, going 5-3 as a starter during a brutal stretch of the season. That kind of performance, especially in Kyle Shanahan’s demanding offensive system, doesn’t go unnoticed around the league.
But despite the growing trade buzz, the 49ers appear to be in no rush to move the former first-rounder. According to insider reports, San Francisco’s current stance is clear: they want to keep the Purdy-Jones tandem intact heading into 2026.
And that makes sense. In today’s NFL, where quarterback depth can make or break a season, having a capable backup like Jones is a luxury-one the Niners aren’t eager to give up. Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment recently, noting that while the team always listens to trade offers, they’re not in the business of parting ways with good players unless the deal makes sense.
“I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year,” Shanahan said. That’s about as close to a public endorsement as you’re going to get.
Still, there’s another side to this story-Jones himself. The 27-year-old has made it clear he wants a shot to start again, and with Purdy entrenched as the franchise QB, that opportunity isn’t coming in the Bay Area.
“Honestly, it’s a business,” Jones said. “I’ve proven I can be a starter… I know how to do it, but it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it.”
He’s not wrong. With over 50 career starts under his belt, Jones brings experience, poise, and now, a proven ability to step in and win games in a high-pressure environment. That’s exactly the kind of profile that could appeal to teams looking for a bridge quarterback-or even a long-term answer.
The 49ers’ decision comes down to risk vs. reward. Do they hold onto a valuable insurance policy behind Purdy, knowing how quickly a season can unravel without a reliable No.
2? Or do they cash in on Jones’ elevated trade value and address other roster needs?
If a team like Pittsburgh, Miami, or New York comes calling with a strong offer-and there’s a good chance someone will-it could force San Francisco’s hand. But for now, the Niners are content to keep one of the league’s most capable backup quarterbacks right where he is.
Whether that changes before Week 1 is one of the more intriguing subplots of the 2026 offseason.