The San Francisco 49ers appear content to hold onto quarterback Mac Jones this offseason-and there’s growing reason to believe that’s more than just lip service. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan hinted as much during their end-of-season press conference, and now league insiders are backing that up. According to reports, the Niners aren’t actively shopping Jones, but that doesn’t mean the phone won’t ring-and ring often.
Here’s the reality: We’re heading into another quarterback-hungry offseason. The draft class isn’t exactly overflowing with can't-miss talent, and the free-agent market is thin, especially if you're looking for someone who can step in and start. That makes someone like Jones-who just went 5-3 in eight starts and carries a manageable $3 million cap hit in 2026-an appealing option for teams looking to upgrade under center without breaking the bank.
Jones may not be the long-term answer in San Francisco behind Brock Purdy, but he’s done enough to reignite interest around the league. Let’s take a closer look at three teams that could make a serious push to pry him away from the Bay.
1. Minnesota Vikings: A Win-Now Roster With a Quarterback Quandary
The Vikings are built to contend right now. The problem?
Their quarterback situation is anything but stable. J.J.
McCarthy’s rookie season didn’t inspire much confidence, and the decision to move on from Sam Darnold-who just helped the Seahawks win a Super Bowl-looks more questionable by the day.
Enter Mac Jones.
Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell runs a quarterback-friendly system and needs someone who can execute it consistently. If McCarthy isn’t ready to take that next step, bringing in Jones could provide both insurance and competition. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s a steady hand who’s proven he can win games with the right pieces around him.
For a team that doesn’t have time to wait, Jones could be the bridge-or the spark-that stabilizes the position.
2. Miami Dolphins: A Cap-Conscious Pivot With Familiar Roots
If the Dolphins decide to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, they’ll be staring down a tough financial hit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t pivot smartly. Mac Jones could be a cost-effective alternative with some intriguing upside-especially in Miami’s system.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, a former member of Shanahan’s 49ers staff, runs a scheme that would already feel familiar to Jones. Add in the fact that Jones is a Florida native, and the fit starts to make a lot of sense.
This wouldn’t just be a financial play-it’s a football one, too. Miami has the pieces to win now, and Jones’ ability to operate within a timing-based, play-action-heavy offense could allow for a smoother transition than starting from scratch with a rookie or shelling out for a high-priced veteran.
3. Las Vegas Raiders: A Mentor Now, Insurance Policy Later
The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. But let’s be honest-dropping a rookie into the current state of the Raiders' roster could be a recipe for disaster.
New head coach Klint Kubiak inherits a team with a shaky offensive line, a depleted receiving corps, and a defense that could soon be without its best player if Maxx Crosby forces his way out. That’s a lot to overcome for a first-year quarterback.
That’s where Mac Jones comes in.
He wouldn’t be brought in to be the future, but rather the buffer. A veteran presence who can start early in the season, take the heat off Mendoza, and help guide him through the transition.
And given Kubiak’s roots in the Shanahan coaching tree, the offensive system wouldn’t be foreign to Jones. It’s a plug-and-play scenario that makes a lot of sense for a team trying to rebuild the right way.
Final Thoughts
The 49ers don’t have to trade Mac Jones-and they might not want to. But that doesn’t mean teams won’t come calling, especially in a league where quarterback stability is gold. Jones’ resurgence, combined with his affordable contract and familiarity with Shanahan-style offenses, makes him one of the more intriguing under-the-radar options on the market.
Whether it’s Minnesota looking for a steady hand, Miami seeking a scheme fit, or Vegas needing a bridge to the future, don’t be surprised if Jones becomes one of the more sought-after names this offseason-even if he never hits the open market.