49ers to Keep Backup QB Mac Jones for 2026 Season

San Francisco values Jones as a strong insurance policy behind starter Brock Purdy.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have decided to keep backup quarterback Mac Jones for the 2026 season, despite speculation that he could be traded. Head coach Kyle Shanahan values Jones as a solid quarterback in his system, and the 49ers want to maintain their strong QB depth chart with Brock Purdy as the starter and Jones as the backup.

Why it matters

Keeping Jones gives the 49ers insurance in case of injury to Purdy, their starting QB. Jones proved his worth in 2025 when he started 5 games and helped keep the team afloat. The 49ers see Jones as a valuable asset and want to maintain their quarterback depth for the upcoming season.

The details

The 49ers have decided not to trade backup QB Mac Jones, who is under contract through the 2026 season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has long been a fan of Jones, dating back to the 2021 NFL Draft when the 49ers ultimately selected Trey Lance instead. Jones impressed in his 5 starts in 2025 when Purdy was injured, and the 49ers want to keep their strong QB tandem intact for 2026.

  • In 2025, Jones started 5 games for the 49ers when Brock Purdy was injured.
  • Jones is under contract with the 49ers through the 2026 season.

The players

Brock Purdy

The starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Mac Jones

The backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who is under contract through 2026.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has long been a fan of Mac Jones.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Dianna Russini, Reporter (The Athletic)

The takeaway

The 49ers' decision to keep Mac Jones as Brock Purdy's backup shows their commitment to maintaining a strong quarterback depth chart. Jones proved his value in 2025, and the team sees him as an important insurance policy in case of injury to their starting QB.