49ers Reportedly Keeping Backup QB Mac Jones

Team not looking to trade 2021 first-round pick, per insider

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the San Francisco 49ers are not planning to trade backup quarterback Mac Jones, who stepped in for the injured Brock Purdy in 2025 and went 5-3 as a starter. The 49ers reportedly want to keep their Purdy-Jones quarterback tandem intact for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Jones' strong performance in 2025 when Purdy was injured has led to speculation that the 49ers could trade him for a high draft pick. However, the 49ers appear committed to keeping Jones as insurance in case Purdy, who has missed games due to injury in the past, gets hurt again.

The details

Jones, a 2021 first-round pick, completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 2025 when he started 8 games in place of the injured Purdy. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Jones' toughness and performance, saying "He played his ass off, man." While some analysts believe the 49ers will still trade Jones for a high draft pick, the team is reportedly not looking to part with him and wants to keep the Purdy-Jones QB duo together.

  • In 2025, Jones started 8 games and went 5-3 when Brock Purdy was injured.
  • Purdy missed 8 games in 2025 due to a turf toe injury.

The players

Mac Jones

The San Francisco 49ers' backup quarterback, who started 8 games in 2025 when Brock Purdy was injured and went 5-3 as a starter.

Brock Purdy

The San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback, who missed 8 games in 2025 due to a turf toe injury.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who praised Mac Jones' performance in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“He played his ass off, man. He was unbelievable in the first half. He got banged up there in the second half and battled through it. He protected the ball and, going against that defense and throwing the ball that many times, not having a turnover and protecting the ball like he did, I can't say enough good things about Mac.”

— Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach (49erswebzone.com)

“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. I think it's still highly likely that Jones gets dealt, but SF wants a high price.”

— Larry Krueger, Bay Area Media Member (Twitter)

What’s next

The 49ers will likely continue to field trade offers for Mac Jones, but they appear determined to keep him as insurance behind Brock Purdy for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The 49ers' decision to hold onto Mac Jones highlights the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback, especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Jones' strong performance in 2025 has made him a valuable asset, and the 49ers seem unwilling to part with him unless they receive a substantial offer.