When it comes to options for quarterback-needy teams this offseason, the belief has been that San Francisco 49ers signal-caller Mac Jones would be among them.
Jones’ career was in the toilet before he joined the 49ers in 2025, but he has since proven he deserves another shot to start after playing well in place of an injured Brock Purdy last season.
However, it appears Jones may not get that chance in 2026. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the Niners aren’t looking to trade the former first-round pick.
Here’s Russini’s report:
For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder. Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026. Jones’ 5-3 record as a starter amid the team’s major injury struggles helped keep San Francisco afloat, and Kyle Shanahan loves what he has in the 27-year-old.
This is the second time we’ve heard about the Niners’ reluctance to trade Jones.
The first time came when head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted he expects Jones to be on the team this coming season.
“Awesome conversations with [Mac Jones], just like I did with a number of players,” Shanahan said to reporters last month. “As any player on our team, including myself and John, you always listen to people and trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players. So, I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
This is bad news for the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, all of whom figure to be in the quarterback market this offseason.
The Vikings need an insurance policy behind J.J. McCarthy, and a report from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert suggests they could look to replace him entirely.
The Falcons could also use a veteran backup given the fact that Michael Penix Jr.’s status is up in the air after suffering a partially torn ACL. Atlanta has a potential option in-house with Kirk Cousins, but the Falcons are expected to release him.
Like Cousins in Atlanta, Kyler Murray is expected to be shown the door in Arizona, which would leave the Cardinals with just Jacoby Brissett as the only notable name on the depth chart.
Despite Russini’s report and Shanahan’s comment, we believe the Niners will at least consider trading Jones and will pull the trigger if the right deal comes along.
