Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has re-entered the San Francisco 49ers quarterback rumor mill. This time, the focus isn't on Brock Purdy—who previously drew repeated speculation from Florio before signing his massive contract extension—but on Mac Jones, Purdy's dependable backup, who performed admirably during the starter's turf toe recovery.
Given Jones' steady play and a limited number of enticing options via the draft, it's reasonable to assume he could draw interest. However, Jones remains under contract with the 49ers through the 2026 season, meaning any team hoping to acquire him would need to negotiate a trade.
According to Florio, early chatter around the league suggests the Minnesota Vikings could be one of those teams. Minnesota allowed both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to walk in free agency, and each has found success elsewhere. That leaves the Vikings exploring proven options to push or potentially replace young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
"There's already chatter in some circles that, in the 2026 offseason, the Vikings will explore trading for 49ers quarterback Mac Jones," Florio wrote.
Florio also praised San Francisco's strategy in acquiring Jones in free agency, noting, "In March 2025, the 49ers wisely signed Jones, who has started eight games this season, to a two-year, $8.4 million contract. The Jones contract is an asset that can become a draft pick, or two, in 2026."
Jones has completed eight starts this season, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions while keeping the 49ers firmly in the playoff hunt.
Whether the 49ers would actually move Jones depends on the Vikings' potential offer—or any other team that comes calling. Keeping Jones in the building may prove more valuable, giving San Francisco a reliable backup behind Purdy through 2026.
In fact, one NFL analyst believes the 49ers should prioritize keeping Jones for the 2026 season, adding that the quarterback should prefer to remain in head coach Kyle Shanahan's system.
"This is a good situation for him," Brian Baldinger said this week. "We've seen quarterbacks go down under Kyle's offense—not for Kyle's reason—but we've seen a lot of quarterbacks get hurt here in San Francisco. I'm not letting that guy out of my building. I don't care what they offer me."
As for Minnesota, Florio believes McCarthy could benefit from genuine competition. The young quarterback hasn't yet solidified himself as the long-term answer.
"Jones, whom the Vikings could have signed in 2025, could be the best option," Florio added. "The right choice to either light a fire under McCarthy or, if that doesn't do the trick, seize the job."