Why the 49ers Might Play the Long Game with Mac Jones
There’s no denying it: Mac Jones has put himself back on the NFL radar.
After stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy and helping guide the San Francisco 49ers to a 5-3 stretch, Jones didn’t just keep the offense afloat-he reminded the league that he still has starting-caliber chops. And with an offseason looming where the quarterback market looks thinner than usual, his name is naturally going to come up in trade conversations.
But while it might seem like a no-brainer for the Niners to flip Jones for draft capital this spring, there’s a growing sense that San Francisco could take a more patient, strategic approach. And it has less to do with depth insurance behind Purdy and more to do with timing-specifically, maximizing trade value when the league is at its most desperate.
The Supply-Demand Equation
Let’s start with the obvious: quarterback demand is always high, but this offseason, the imbalance is even more pronounced. The upcoming free-agent class and the 2026 draft pool aren’t exactly overflowing with surefire starters. That means teams without a clear answer under center will be scrambling-and that scramble could make a player like Jones, who has recent, tangible success in a high-pressure situation, an appealing option.
But there’s a catch.
If other veteran quarterbacks hit the market-think names like Kirk Cousins or Kyler Murray-Jones’ value could take a hit. Teams might opt for more proven commodities, pushing Jones further down the pecking order and lowering what the 49ers could get in return.
That’s where patience becomes a weapon.
The Case for Waiting
General manager John Lynch hasn’t exactly shut down the idea of a Jones trade, but he also hasn’t rushed to put him on the block. That’s telling. The 49ers could be eyeing a longer timeline, one that stretches all the way to the 2026 trade deadline.
Yes, that’s a gamble. Teams usually want their quarterback situation locked in before offseason programs begin. And Jones, understandably, would probably prefer to land somewhere he can start learning a new system sooner rather than later.
But here’s the thing: quarterback injuries happen. Starters flame out.
And when they do-especially midseason-teams get desperate. That’s when the trade value for a capable, plug-and-play quarterback like Jones can spike dramatically.
We’ve seen this play out before.
Back in 2016, the Minnesota Vikings lost Teddy Bridgewater to a devastating injury just before the season started. With playoff hopes still alive, they traded a first-round pick to Philadelphia for Sam Bradford, who had just lost his starting job to rookie Carson Wentz. The Eagles capitalized on the moment, and the Vikings got a veteran who could step in immediately.
It was a perfect storm. And while no one is saying history will repeat itself exactly, the blueprint is there. If a contender loses its starter and the season hangs in the balance, a quarterback like Jones suddenly becomes a premium asset.
A Calculated Risk
Holding onto Jones isn’t without its downsides. If no injuries occur and no teams come calling, the 49ers could be stuck with a backup they could have moved earlier for decent value.
But Lynch and the front office have shown they’re willing to play the long game when it comes to roster construction. They’re not just looking for any deal-they’re looking for the right one.
And if that means waiting until a team is in crisis mode and willing to pay top dollar, so be it.
So while the chatter around a Mac Jones trade will only get louder as the offseason unfolds, don’t be surprised if the 49ers keep their cards close to the vest. This isn’t just about having a solid backup. It’s about knowing when to strike-and making sure that when they do, the return is worth it.
In San Francisco, it’s not a matter of if they’ll move Jones. It’s more likely a matter of when.