49ers Insider Claims Team is 'Posturing' for 'High Price' Trade

San Francisco could deal backup QB Mac Jones for a hefty return.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A 49ers insider believes the team is trying to drive up the trade price for backup quarterback Mac Jones, who is considered the third-best QB available this offseason. The 49ers' preference is to keep Jones, but the team likely has a high asking price and could deal him for the right offer that includes multiple high draft picks.

Why it matters

The 49ers have a surplus at quarterback with Brock Purdy as the starter and Jones as the capable backup. Dealing Jones could net the team valuable draft capital to address other roster needs, but they risk losing a quality QB who has proven he can win games in the NFL.

The details

Jones threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions while going 5-3 as a starter in 11 games last season. The 49ers insider believes Jones is the third-best QB available this offseason behind only Fernando Mendoza and Malik Willis. The team is likely asking for a high price, potentially wanting two Day 2 draft picks over the next two years or a solid starter and a third-round pick.

  • The 49ers' "preference" to keep Jones was reported on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Mac Jones

The 49ers' backup quarterback who is considered the third-best QB available this offseason and could be traded for a high price.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' starting quarterback, with Jones as the capable backup.

Kyle Shanahan

The 49ers' head coach, who likes what he has in backup QB Mac Jones.

Larry Krueger

A 49ers insider who believes the team is posturing to drive up the trade price for Mac Jones.

Dianna Russini

An Athletic reporter who said the 49ers' "preference" is to keep Mac Jones for the upcoming season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm told the 49ers' current preference is not to trade QB Mac Jones. Things and offers can change, but (head coach) Kyle Shanahan likes what he has in his backup.”

— Dianna Russini, Reporter (The Athletic)

“This is simply posturing for a better offer. The 49ers likely have attached a high price tag on Jones, as they should. At worst, Jones is the 3rd best QB available this offseason behind only Fernando Mendoza and Malik Willis.”

— Larry Krueger, 49ers insider (X)

“I think it's still highly likely that Jones gets dealt, but SF wants a high price. I'd want (2) day-2 draft picks over the next 2 drafts or a solid starter and a 3rd.”

— Larry Krueger, 49ers insider (X)

What’s next

The 49ers will likely continue to field trade offers for Mac Jones throughout the offseason, with the team seeking a high price in return for the capable backup quarterback.

The takeaway

The 49ers' handling of Mac Jones' trade situation highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between keeping valuable depth and maximizing the return on assets. San Francisco is posturing to get the best deal possible, but risks losing a quality QB who has proven he can win in the NFL.