Could the San Francisco 49ers be tempted to trade away backup quarterback Mac Jones? It's unlikely, but there is always the possibility that a team could offer John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan enough to trade away the player that Shanahan has been rumored to want since 2021. Jones signed a two-year deal with the 49ers this offseason, and it seems doubtful the 49ers would move on from him this quickly, especially considering the lack of depth that would remain behind starting QB Brock Purdy if Jones were traded.
But one national writer believes teams may come calling for Jones. Kristopher Knox, of "Bleacher Report," suggested that there are some backup quarterbacks around the NFL that teams should pursue trading for, and Jones was one he mentioned.
Knox referenced 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak's belief in Jones when Kubiak said, "I think Mac's capable of being a starter in this league." That may be the case, but Jones' potential as a starter makes it more likely that Lynch and Shanahan would like to hold onto him. Last season, they saw how the team played when Purdy missed time. Having a better backup QB is critical to the team's success in 2025.
"With only Tanner Mordecai and seventh-round rookie Kurtis Rourke on the depth chart behind Purdy and Jones, the 49ers won't be eager to move their top understudy," Knox wrote. "However, a strong offer might get a deal done."
Mordecai spent 2024, his rookie season, on the practice squad. And Rourke is unlikely to see the field in 2025 while he recovers from a knee injury. Still, Knox believes it's possible the 49ers could be persuaded to trade Jones, and that other NFL teams may want him.
Knox asked the question, "Why would a team trade for a backup who hasn't been a high-level starter over the past few seasons? Well, Jones will only turn 27 in September, was a rookie Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots, and still has the upside of a future starter. Spending the offseason in Kyle Shanahan's QB-friendly system certainly won't hurt."
Knox also argues that there are teams that run a similar offense to the 49ers, and who may soon need a quarterback, be it this season or beyond.
"The Jets could have interest in Jones since they don't have a long-term QB plan in place—aside from their flier on Justin Fields, who is currently injured," Knox added. "Jones' skill set wouldn't match those of Fields...However, he could provide something similar to [Jared] Goff, who was coached by Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand in Detroit.
"The Los Angeles Rams don't have a successor to Matthew Stafford in place, and Jones could be a strong candidate for that role. He doesn't possess Stafford's raw arm strength, but when at his best, Jones has shown impressive accuracy and timing. Those traits would mesh with a Sean McVay spacing-based offense that is quite similar to Shanahan's conceptually."
It's doubtful the 49ers will be willing to trade Jones, especially to a division rival. But Jones had a good spring and has looked good in training camp so far, especially on Friday, while Purdy was away from practice.