Could the 49ers Trade Mac Jones This Offseason? It’s on the Table - But Not for Two First-Round Picks
Don’t be surprised if the San Francisco 49ers start fielding calls about Mac Jones this offseason. After stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy and guiding the team to a 5-3 record during that stretch, Jones has done more than just hold down the fort - he’s put himself back on the map.
Jones is under contract through 2026, and in a league where quarterback talent is always at a premium - especially with a lighter-than-usual free agent and draft class on deck - that matters. Teams in need of a reliable option under center will be paying attention. And San Francisco, sitting on a valuable asset at the game’s most important position, might be inclined to listen.
Mac Jones Rebuilds His Value - and the NFL Is Watching
Let’s be clear: Mac Jones isn’t suddenly being talked about as a franchise savior. But he did something important this season - he proved he can still play.
In Kyle Shanahan’s system, Jones looked sharp, composed, and efficient. That’s enough to turn heads in front offices around the league, especially those desperate for stability at quarterback.
Think of teams like the Minnesota Vikings, who may be looking for a bridge or long-term answer depending on how things shake out with their current roster. Or the New York Jets - a franchise that’s been stuck in a seemingly endless quarterback carousel. Both could make sense as landing spots if the 49ers decide to move on from Jones.
Jonathan Vilma’s Trade Proposal Raises Eyebrows - and Not in a Good Way
During the Jets’ win over the Falcons on November 30, Fox Sports analyst Jonathan Vilma floated a bold idea: New York should send multiple first-round picks to San Francisco for either Brock Purdy or Mac Jones.
Now, Purdy just signed a $265 million extension - so he’s not going anywhere. That leaves Jones as the only logical target in Vilma’s hypothetical.
But two first-round picks? That’s a hard sell, no matter how you slice it.
Jones has shown flashes, yes. But he’s not a multi-time Pro Bowler.
He’s not a top-10 quarterback. He’s a player who’s just now re-establishing himself after a rough stretch in New England and a mid-season revival in the Bay Area.
That’s not the kind of résumé that typically commands a pair of first-rounders, especially from a team like the Jets, whose picks are likely to land early in the round.
Even 49ers fans would probably agree - if the Jets actually offered that kind of package, San Francisco would jump on it faster than a wideout on a busted coverage.
What’s Next for Jones and the 49ers?
Here’s the bottom line: Mac Jones has value. He’s proven he can win games in the right system, and that’s worth something in a league where quarterback play is everything. But there’s a difference between value and overvaluation.
If the 49ers do decide to shop Jones this offseason, they’ll have a market. But it won’t involve blockbuster-level compensation. More likely, we’re looking at a mid-round pick or maybe a conditional deal that could escalate based on playing time or performance.
For now, Jones remains a 49er - but with Brock Purdy entrenched as the starter and the team always thinking a few moves ahead, don’t be surprised if the phone starts ringing. And if the right offer comes along, San Francisco might just pick up.