FanSided’s new 2026 quarterback rankings offer a pretty useful snapshot of where Mac Jones stands in the league - and why the 49ers could still have something real to work with.
Jones landed in Tier 6, labeled “replacement-level starters,” which fits the role he played for San Francisco a season ago. He stepped in for Brock Purdy and helped the 49ers go 5-3 during that stretch, and FanSided placed him No. 33 overall.
That put him behind the New York Jets’ Geno Smith at No. 32 and just ahead of the Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix at No. 34.
But Jones’ spot in that group may matter less for what it says about his ceiling and more for what it says about his trade value.
The 49ers still appear to have a quarterback who could draw interest if the right situation pops up. It remains unclear how aggressively San Francisco explored moving Jones last offseason, and reports pointed to a limited market. That didn’t close the door on a future deal, though, especially with Jones under contract and not scheduled to become a free agent until 2027.
The calendar matters here, too. The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10, and that gives the 49ers plenty of time for a market to develop.
A quarterback-needy team could come calling, particularly if a playoff contender loses its starter to injury. In that kind of scenario, Jones becomes more than a backup - he becomes a tradable asset with real value.
And if the return is strong enough, San Francisco may be perfectly willing to take the risk.
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DeZhaun Stribling is the name to keep circling, especially if Evans is not available for stretches once the games count. The rookie has drawn apparent interest from the staff and could find himself in a much bigger role than a typical first-year receiver if the door stays open, though the way Deebo Samuel is deployed will matter just as much in how the targets get spread around. For now, the 49ers receiving hierarchy feels less like a settled chart and more like a moving target. [Read more 🡒]