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49ers Explore Trading Mac Jones to Move Up in NFL Draft
Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner suggests packaging QB Mac Jones and draft picks to target Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:19pm
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A cubist illustration captures the strategic maneuvering behind the 49ers' potential draft day trade to target a top safety prospect.New Orleans TodayThe San Francisco 49ers currently hold the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but former 49ers safety Donte Whitner believes the team should explore trading quarterback Mac Jones and a few fourth-round picks to move up and select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who is projected to be selected as high as the top 10.
Why it matters
The 49ers have a need at safety, with Malik Mustapha and Ji'Ayir Brown as the current starters. Whitner believes Downs could elevate the 49ers' secondary to the next level, but the team would need to be aggressive to move up and select him.
The details
Downs was a standout at Alabama and Ohio State, earning AP All-American honors and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award. He is projected to be selected as high as 5th overall, so the 49ers would likely need to package Mac Jones and multiple draft picks to move up into the top 10 to have a chance at drafting him.
- The 49ers currently hold the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The players
Mac Jones
The 49ers' backup quarterback, who started 8 games last season and threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Caleb Downs
The Ohio State safety who was a standout at Alabama and Ohio State, earning AP All-American honors and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award.
Donte Whitner
A former 49ers safety who is suggesting the team trade Mac Jones and draft picks to move up and select Caleb Downs.
What they’re saying
“The 49ers don't have any safeties currently on the roster to really elevate their game further than it is now. Enter Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.”
— Donte Whitner, Former 49ers Safety
What’s next
The 49ers will need to evaluate whether trading Mac Jones and multiple draft picks is worth the cost of moving up to select Caleb Downs, who is projected to be a top 10 pick.
The takeaway
This potential trade idea highlights the 49ers' need to upgrade their secondary, and the willingness of the team to be aggressive in the draft to target a top talent like Caleb Downs. However, the cost of moving up could be steep, requiring the team to part with a valuable asset like Mac Jones.
