The NFL trade deadline came and went more than a month ago, which means the San Francisco 49ers are officially in a holding pattern when it comes to player trades until the league year resets in March 2026. But if you think that means general manager John Lynch is kicking back and waiting for the offseason to arrive, think again.
Even with the trade window closed, the groundwork for future moves is always being laid-and one name that continues to generate buzz is backup quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones stepped in admirably when Brock Purdy went down earlier this season, guiding the Niners to a 5-3 record during his stretch as the starter. That run was more than just damage control-it helped keep San Francisco on track in a tight NFC playoff race, where they currently sit at 9-4. In a league where backup quarterbacks can make or break a season, Jones proved his value in real time.
But here’s the reality: the 49ers are all-in on Purdy. That commitment isn't just verbal-it’s financial, strategic, and long-term.
Which puts Jones in an interesting spot. He’s under contract through 2026, has proven he can win games, and plays a position that remains a premium across the league.
With a thin free-agent quarterback class and a draft that’s not exactly overflowing with can’t-miss QB talent, Jones becomes a legitimate trade asset.
So, what’s Lynch thinking?
The 49ers GM recently joined The TK Show with Tim Kawakami and was asked directly about the possibility of moving Jones in the offseason. And while Lynch didn’t go so far as to say the team is shopping him, he didn’t exactly shut the door, either.
“We could always do something,” Lynch said. “But I think that’s a position-nobody exhibited this more than the great Bill Walsh-is that the more quality players you have in that room, that sets you up for success.”
That’s a telling quote. Lynch is invoking the legacy of one of the greatest minds in NFL history to make a point: quarterback depth matters. And the 49ers, perhaps more than most teams, have lived that truth in recent seasons.
Lynch continued, “I think you’ve got to keep your eyes and ears open to everything. But we obviously believe greatly in Brock Purdy, and Brock earned that trust from us.
Mac earned a lot of trust this year with the way he played, so we’re excited about that room. We’re going to just keep focusing on this season.
We’ll figure out everything as it goes.”
That’s classic Lynch-measured, forward-thinking, and always keeping the team’s options open. It also lines up with what he’s said in the past: if there’s a move out there that makes the team better, they’ll consider it.
The dilemma is clear. On one hand, Jones has been a stabilizing force and an insurance policy any contending team would love to have. On the other, if a quarterback-needy franchise comes calling with the right offer, it’s hard to imagine Lynch not picking up the phone.
And let’s be honest-those calls are coming. There are always teams desperate for a capable starter or high-end backup, especially one with playoff-caliber experience. Jones fits that mold.
So while nothing is imminent, the door is wide open. Lynch said as much.
And as the offseason approaches, expect the Mac Jones trade chatter to grow louder. Because in San Francisco, every roster decision is made with one goal in mind: staying in championship contention.