As the 2026 season approaches, the rumor mill surrounding San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones continues to spin.
After revitalizing his career in 2025 by stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy—throwing for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns across eight stellar starts—Jones has transformed from a former castoff into one of the league’s most intriguing trade targets. Even though the 49ers didn’t and seemingly aren’t interested in trading Jones, that won’t stop teams from looking into the former first-round quarterback as a potential option for their franchise.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moten recently highlighted five teams that should consider acquiring the efficient signal-caller at the 2026 trade deadline in November, to get ahead of Jones’ impending free agency bids in 2027.
Organizations looking for an immediate bridge or high-upside insurance—such as the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and Atlanta Falcons—have been linked to the experienced passer. The Colts just paid Daniel Jones, but it’s unclear how his body will hold up after various injuries. The Cardinals are in a contract dispute with Jacoby Brissett and only have 2026 rookie Carson Beck behind him. Meanwhile, the Falcons have former 2024 first-rounder Michael Penix battling Tua Tagovailoa for the current starting role.
Two others include the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, clubs with no clear plan for the future for different reasons. The Browns have a litany of mediocre passers on the roster, while the Steelers have aging Aaron Rodgers surrounded by young developmental quarterbacks like Will Howard.
However, anyone trying to pry Jones away from the Bay Area will have to pay a massive premium. Earlier this offseason, 49ers general manager John Lynch set an “astronomical” asking price for the backup, reportedly demanding a first- or high second-round pick.
While external critics might wonder if Lynch is overplaying his hand, the steep price tag reflects just how much the 49ers value Jones. He isn’t just an elite insurance policy for Purdy; he has also become the heart of the locker room. Tight end George Kittle recently called Jones the ultimate “glue guy,” praising his infectious energy and noting that the entire team loves him. Jones himself even noted he wasn’t mad he wasn’t traded since he likes the team so much.
If a franchise steps up with the right draft assets, the 49ers could ultimately look to cash in on Jones’ high trade value, especially with growing internal confidence in developmental depth like rookie Kurtis Rourke. Until then, Jones remains a crucial, beloved fixture in San Francisco’s championship pursuit.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Analyst pinpoints 5 teams who could still trade for 49ers QB Mac Jones
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
