SAN FRANCISCO — The trade market for Mac Jones just hit a brick wall. After stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy and dragging the San Francisco 49ers into the 2025 playoffs with a 5-3 record as a starter, the 27-year-old quarterback became the offseason’s hottest commodity. Fans and analysts expected general manager John Lynch to flip him for a premium draft pick. Instead, San Francisco locked the door.
Despite committing a massive $60 million to Purdy, the 49ers refuse to treat their backup quarterback spot as an afterthought. Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom shattered the offseason speculation this week, reporting that league sources see San Francisco prioritizing Jones’ return for the 2026 campaign.
Jones didn’t just manage games last year; he commanded the offense. He racked up 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing nearly 70% of his passes. You could feel the energy shift in Levi’s Stadium every time he moved the chains on third down. That kind of battle-tested security is rare, and head coach Kyle Shanahan knows exactly what he holds.
“I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever. I know how to do it, but it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it.”
— Mac Jones, 49ers Quarterback
Shanahan echoed that mutual respect during his end-of-season press conference, shutting down the outside noise completely.
“We’re not into getting rid of good players. So, I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
— Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach
San Francisco hoarding elite quarterback depth triggers a massive ripple effect across the NFL. Desperate front offices now have to scramble. The Pittsburgh Steelers sit completely paralyzed waiting on a retirement decision from 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. The Minnesota Vikings suddenly need a new veteran insurance policy to back up J.J. McCarthy.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are rapidly running out of reliable fallback options. The 49ers pulling Jones off the market shrinks the supply and drives up the price for every other available arm. If a desperate GM wants to pry Jones out of the Bay Area, they will have to surrender a staggering return. Until then, San Francisco sleeps soundly knowing their Super Bowl window stays wide open, even if disaster strikes under center.
