Mac Jones might just be the 49ers’ most intriguing trade asset in years, especially if they decide to part ways with Brock Purdy’s backup. His efficient play and infectious energy were pivotal in bailing the team out early last season.
Remember six years ago when the 49ers went to the scouting combine and traded DeForest Buckner to the Colts for a first-round pick? While Jones probably won’t fetch a first or even a second-rounder, the quarterback market’s dynamics will decide his value. With a shortage of top-tier free agents and draft prospects, Jones’ stock could rise.
This week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis could be the first step in charting Jones’ future.
There’s a strong case for the 49ers to keep Jones, who signed a two-year deal last spring and has a modest $3 million cap hit for the upcoming season. With free agency talks opening on March 9, we might soon see which veterans become cap casualties. Meanwhile, the draft looms with Fernando Mendoza expected to go No. 1 overall to the Raiders.
Jones, now 28, boosted his profile last year. He went 5-3 as a starter while Purdy dealt with turf toe and overcame a knee injury to post a career-best 69.6% completion rate, throwing 13 touchdowns against six interceptions. His positive attitude quickly resonated with teammates, rekindling his love for the game that had waned since his rookie days with the Patriots.
WHAT THEY’VE SAID
Coach Kyle Shanahan has been clear: “You always listen to trade offers, but we’re not in the business of losing good players. I’d be surprised if Mac wasn’t with us next year.”
General manager John Lynch echoed this sentiment, praising Jones’ leadership and impact on the team. “Mac made people around him better. He’s been an outstanding addition.”
Jones himself is focused on improvement: “I came here for the fit with Kyle and the system. My challenge is to keep getting better, and whatever happens, happens.”
Looking back, the Raiders traded a third-round pick to the Seahawks for Geno Smith, who then signed a two-year, $75 million extension. Similarly, the Falcons got a third-rounder for Matt Ryan when he moved to the Colts in 2022.
The quarterback trade market has seen its share of blockbusters, like the Browns’ massive deal for Deshaun Watson, and Denver’s hefty price for Russell Wilson. The movement of players like Carson Wentz and Baker Mayfield shows how varied the returns can be.
WHO’S IN THE GAME
With several quarterbacks potentially on the move before free agency, teams in need have draft capital to offer:
- New York Jets
- Cleveland Browns
- Miami Dolphins
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Arizona Cardinals
- Indianapolis Colts
Potential quarterback options include Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Aaron Rodgers, and more.
49ERS QUARTERBACK TRADES
The 49ers have a storied history of quarterback trades, from the legendary acquisition of Steve Young to the valuable picks gained from trading Joe Montana to Kansas City. Alex Smith’s trade to the Chiefs also brought in significant draft capital.
If Jones is deemed expendable, the backup role could fall to rookie Kurtis Rourke, practice-squad player Adrian Martinez, or another reclamation project akin to Jones.
Here’s a look at past quarterback trades by the 49ers:
- Shaun Hill to Detroit for a seventh-round pick
- Ken Dorsey to Cleveland for a seventh-round pick and Trent Dilfer
- Tim Rattay to Tampa Bay for a sixth-round pick
- Joe Montana to Kansas City for a first-round pick and safety David Whitmore
WHO THIS REGIME HAS TRADED
Since Shanahan and Lynch took over in 2017, the 49ers have made several notable trades:
- Deebo Samuel to Washington for a fifth-round pick
- Trey Lance to Dallas for a fourth-round pick
- Jeff Wilson Jr. to Miami for a fifth-round pick
- DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis for a first-rounder
These moves illustrate the 49ers’ willingness to make bold decisions, and the potential trade of Mac Jones could be the next chapter in their strategic playbook.