Could Mac Jones Be on the Move? 49ers Face Offseason Decision at QB2
Brock Purdy’s rollercoaster season-highlighted by standout performances and shadowed by injury concerns-has quietly elevated another name in the San Francisco quarterback room: Mac Jones. And while he’s not the starter, he’s done more than enough to prove he still belongs in the NFL conversation.
Now the 49ers are staring down a familiar offseason question: what do you do when your backup quarterback has real value?
Jones is still under contract through next season thanks to the two-year deal he signed last offseason, which gives San Francisco some flexibility. They don’t have to move him, and given the 49ers’ recent history with quarterback injuries, there’s a strong argument for keeping him right where he is. But that’s not stopping teams around the league from circling.
According to NFL insiders, Jones is already being mentioned as a legitimate trade candidate heading into the 2026 offseason. And it makes sense. Quarterback-needy teams could find themselves staring at a thin market next year, and Jones-who has starting experience and has shown he can step in and manage a game-might be one of the more appealing options available.
The 49ers, of course, don’t have to rush into anything. They could hold onto Jones as a high-end insurance policy behind Purdy, especially considering how valuable that role has proven to be in Kyle Shanahan’s system.
But if the right offer comes along? San Francisco could be tempted.
This is a front office that’s shown it’s not afraid to make bold moves when the situation calls for it.
And it’s not just Jones who could be on the block. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is also rumored to be a potential trade piece this offseason. Between Aiyuk’s rising market value and Jones’ status as a capable backup in a league starving for quarterback depth, the 49ers could be one of the most active teams when the trade window opens.
If San Francisco does decide to move Jones, they’ll need to address the backup spot behind Purdy. Adrian Martinez, while promising, likely isn’t ready for that role just yet. That means the 49ers would need to bring in a veteran presence-someone who can step in and keep the offense afloat if Purdy misses time again.
But that’s a puzzle for later. For now, the takeaway is simple: Mac Jones has reasserted his value, and the 49ers are in a position of strength.
Whether they keep him as a trusted No. 2 or flip him for assets, they’ve got options. And in the NFL, especially at quarterback, options are everything.