Could Mac Jones Be on the Move Again? Steelers, Colts Among Teams to Watch in 2026 QB Market
As the 2025 NFL season winds down, quarterback questions are already looming large for a couple of playoff-hungry teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts could both be back in the market for a signal-caller in 2026 - and one name gaining traction as a potential trade target is 49ers quarterback Mac Jones.
Let’s start in Pittsburgh, where the future of the quarterback position hinges on a familiar name with an uncertain timeline: Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old veteran is still under center for now, but retirement talk is never far off at this stage in his career.
If Rodgers does hang it up after this season, the Steelers will be left with Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard under contract - not exactly a quarterback room that screams long-term solution. A draft pick could certainly be in play, but depending on how aggressive the Steelers want to be, they may look to the trade market for a more immediate answer.
That’s where Mac Jones enters the conversation.
Jones, currently backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco, has quietly rebuilt his value this season. After signing a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the 49ers to serve as insurance behind Purdy, the former first-round pick has made the most of his opportunities.
In eight starts filling in for an injured Purdy, Jones has looked sharp - efficient, poised, and far more comfortable in Kyle Shanahan’s system than he ever did in New England. It’s the kind of career rehab that’s starting to pay off not just for Jones, but for a 49ers front office that could now flip him for real draft capital.
With a manageable $2.8 million salary for next season, Jones is an affordable option for a team looking to stabilize the quarterback position without breaking the bank. And at 27 years old, he still offers some upside if placed in the right environment.
Back to Pittsburgh - the Steelers’ interest in Jones could hinge on whether Mike Tomlin returns in 2026. If Tomlin decides to step away or the organization opts for a full reset, Pittsburgh might lean into a developmental approach, letting Rudolph and Howard battle it out while adding another prospect in the draft.
But if Tomlin is back and the team is looking to contend again right away, Jones could be viewed as a more polished option who fits the middle ground between a veteran and a rookie. The key question: Do the Steelers see Jones as a definitive upgrade over what they already have?
Now let’s shift to Indianapolis, where the quarterback picture is even murkier after Daniel Jones' Achilles injury. The Colts looked like they had finally found some stability under center after Jones' bounce-back season, but that injury throws a wrench into the timeline.
Even if the Colts keep Jones on the roster in 2026 - and signs point to them doing just that - there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready for Week 1. That could open the door for a short-term starter, and Mac Jones fits the bill.
The Colts will still have Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard under contract, but neither quarterback has shown enough to convince the coaching staff they’re ready to carry the load. This is a team that expects to compete next season, and they can’t afford to stumble out of the gate while waiting for Daniel Jones to get back to full strength.
That’s why a trade for Mac Jones makes a ton of sense here. He’s experienced, he’s shown he can manage a game and make plays when asked, and he’d give Indy a bridge option while they wait on Daniel Jones - or potentially move on altogether if the recovery doesn’t go as planned.
The 49ers, meanwhile, find themselves in a strong position. They’ve already gotten real value out of Jones this season, and now they could cash in with a second- or third-round pick from a quarterback-needy team. It’s the kind of savvy roster management that championship contenders thrive on.
Bottom line: Mac Jones may not be a franchise savior, but in a league where quarterback depth is gold, he’s quietly become one of the more intriguing trade chips heading into 2026. Don’t be surprised if the phones start ringing in San Francisco - and don’t be shocked if Pittsburgh or Indianapolis is on the other end of the line.