49ers Never Expected to Lose QB Mac Jones, Says Shanahan

Coach delivers blunt 3-word response on speculation about Jones' future in San Francisco.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angle view of a quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of muted earth tones overlapping to create a sense of dynamic movement and energy on the field.Shanahan's unwavering commitment to backup QB Mac Jones reflects the 49ers' desire for stability and depth at the position.Phoenix Today

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan firmly stated that the team never expected to lose quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, despite speculation that Jones could be traded to acquire additional draft capital. Shanahan's brief 3-word response shut down any notion that the 49ers were willing to part ways with the veteran QB, who stepped up and delivered strong performances when starter Brock Purdy was sidelined with an injury.

Why it matters

The 49ers value having a reliable backup quarterback behind Purdy, their starter, and were unwilling to trade Jones without receiving significant draft compensation that most teams were not prepared to offer. Shanahan's comments indicate the 49ers are committed to keeping Jones on the roster for the upcoming 2026 season.

The details

Mac Jones was one of the 49ers' most impactful offseason additions in 2025, starting 8 games and going 5-3 while Purdy recovered from a turf toe injury. Jones finished the season completing nearly 70% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. His strong performance sparked speculation that the 49ers could trade him to acquire additional draft capital, but Shanahan said the team never expected to lose Jones this offseason. The 49ers were reportedly unwilling to move Jones without receiving an 'astronomical' asking price in return, and his market did not develop as expected, leading him to remain in San Francisco.

  • Following the 2025 season, head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted he would be surprised if Jones were not on the roster in 2026.
  • On March 30, 2026, Shanahan delivered his 3-word response at the NFL meetings in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Mac Jones

Veteran quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers who stepped up in 2025 when starter Brock Purdy was injured.

Brock Purdy

Starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“No, there wasn't.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach

The takeaway

The 49ers' commitment to keeping Mac Jones as a reliable backup quarterback behind Brock Purdy highlights the team's desire for depth and stability at the position, even as speculation swirled about Jones' potential trade value. Shanahan's blunt response shuts down any notion that the 49ers were willing to part ways with Jones, underscoring the team's belief in his abilities to step in and contribute when needed.