Why the 49ers Might Be Better Off Holding Onto Mac Jones - Even If the League Comes Calling
We’re still a few weeks from the playoffs, but the NFL rumor mill is already humming like it’s March. And right in the middle of it? The San Francisco 49ers and backup quarterback Mac Jones - a name that’s suddenly drawing a lot of attention from quarterback-needy teams across the league.
On the surface, it makes sense. Jones has quietly rebuilt his reputation this season in San Francisco.
He’s looked sharp in limited action, has embraced his role, and - perhaps most importantly - he’s done it all under the steady hand of Kyle Shanahan. That’s not just a glow-up; that’s the full Shanahan Shine.
And in a league that’s always hunting for competent quarterback play, that makes Jones a valuable commodity.
But here’s the twist: the 49ers might not be in any rush to cash in.
The Comp Pick Factor
Let’s talk about something the Niners value almost as much as a clean pocket for Brock Purdy: compensatory picks. San Francisco has made an art form out of playing the comp pick formula like a fiddle. They don’t just appreciate it - they treat it like gospel.
And right now, Mac Jones is shaping up to be a textbook example of that approach.
If the Niners simply let him finish out his contract and walk in free agency after 2026, they’re likely looking at a third-round compensatory pick in return. Maybe a fourth at worst. That’s essentially free draft capital - a no-risk asset that costs them almost nothing to hold onto.
Why trade that away now for the same return - or less - in the spring? That’s not how this front office operates.
This isn’t about being generous to another team. This is about maximizing value, and the Niners know they already have a pretty sweet deal just by standing pat.
Insurance Policy with a Payout
Here’s the bigger picture: Mac Jones isn’t just a trade chip. He’s the best backup quarterback in the NFL right now, and that’s not nothing - especially in San Francisco.
No team understands the fragility of the quarterback position quite like the 49ers. They’ve been through the ringer - from Nick Mullens to C.J.
Beathard to Josh Johnson in the NFC Championship Game. They’ve lived the nightmare of running out of healthy arms when it matters most.
Yes, Brock Purdy is the guy. He’s earned that.
But let’s not act like he’s bulletproof. He’s got one fully healthy season under his belt, and this league isn’t exactly gentle on quarterbacks.
All it takes is one bad hit, one awkward landing, and suddenly your Super Bowl window is in the hands of someone else.
That’s where Jones comes in. He’s not just a clipboard holder - he’s a fire extinguisher. You don’t trade that away just because you hope you won’t need it.
What It Would Take to Move Him
Now, if a team really wants Mac Jones, there’s a way to get him. But it won’t be cheap.
The 49ers aren’t going to give him up for a mid-round pick. That’s what they’d get anyway if they keep him around and let him walk in free agency.
To make it worth their while, a team would have to come in with a serious offer - think top-50 pick serious. And even then, it probably needs a sweetener: maybe another mid-rounder next year, or a player who can contribute right away.
And let’s be clear - it better be an AFC team making that call.
The Niners aren’t in the business of helping NFC rivals solve their quarterback problems. They’re not about to hand a lifeline to the Vikings or the Cardinals. If you’re not on the other side of the playoff bracket, don’t even bother picking up the phone.
The Mac Jones Conundrum for Other Teams
Here’s the dilemma for those desperate GMs: Jones is absolutely worth a flyer if the price is right. He’s smart, accurate, processes quickly, and he can run a pro offense. That’s more than a lot of teams can say about their current QB situation.
But if you have to give up a premium pick? Suddenly, the flaws start to glare a little brighter.
He’s not mobile, doesn’t have a cannon, and he’s had his share of injuries. That’s a tough sell when you could just roll the dice on a rookie or take a flier on a cheaper option like Trey Lance.
So the question becomes: who’s desperate enough to make that kind of move?
The 49ers Hold All the Cards
Right now, the 49ers are in the driver’s seat. They’ve got a locked-in starter, a high-quality backup, and a fallback plan that pays off in the form of a comp pick if they never have to use him. That’s a rare kind of leverage in this league.
Unless someone comes in with an offer that makes it borderline irresponsible not to take it, there’s no reason for San Francisco to budge. They can sit back, watch the quarterback chaos unfold around the league, and know they’ve got one of the best insurance policies in the game standing on their sideline - headset on, playbook in hand, ready if needed.
Because in the NFL, you don’t trade your fire extinguisher just because the kitchen isn’t on fire. You keep it until the very last moment - and hope you never have to use it.
But if you do? You’ll be glad it’s there.