49ers Weigh Trading Backup QB Mac Jones for Draft Asset

San Francisco open to moving Jones, but only for 'fairly strong' offer

Mar. 5, 2026 at 5:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers are exploring trading backup quarterback Mac Jones, who stepped in for Brock Purdy last season and compiled a 5-3 record with 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Jones' strong play and affordable $3.07 million cap hit have generated trade interest, but the 49ers are in no rush to move him and will wait for the right offer, potentially a high second-round pick.

Why it matters

Keeping a reliable backup QB is crucial for the 49ers, who saw Purdy go down with an injury last season. The 49ers are in a strong position to wait for the right trade offer for Jones, as quarterback movement is expected to increase across the league this offseason with options like Kyler Murray and Derek Carr available.

The details

In 8 starts last season, Jones posted a 69.6% completion rate, the second-best in the NFL. The 49ers value his ability to step in and perform effectively in their offense, and GM John Lynch said the team would need a 'fairly strong' offer to consider trading him. The 49ers could hold out for a high second-round pick, similar to when they traded Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco for a second-rounder in 2017.

  • In the 2025 season, Jones stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy and went 5-3 as the starter.
  • The 49ers are exploring trade options for Jones during the 2026 offseason.

The players

Mac Jones

The 49ers' backup quarterback who stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy last season and performed well, generating trade interest.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' starting quarterback who went down with an injury, leading to Jones taking over the role.

John Lynch

The 49ers' general manager who stated the team would need a 'fairly strong' offer to consider trading Jones.

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What they’re saying

“He's really good for us, and we value that. Somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider trading him. I think we're a better team with him on it and we just like having him around.”

— John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to field trade offers for Jones, but they are in no rush to move him and will wait for the right offer, potentially a high second-round pick.

The takeaway

The 49ers' willingness to wait for the right trade offer for Mac Jones highlights the value of having a reliable backup quarterback, especially for a team with championship aspirations. The 49ers are in a strong position to maximize the return on Jones, who proved he can perform effectively in their offense.