Mac Jones could become one of the more intriguing names on the offseason trade market. The quarterback impressed during his starting stretch with the San Francisco 49ers, stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy and playing well enough that quarterback-needy teams may inquire about his availability. His performance has sparked speculation about what it might take to pry him away from the 49ers.
In eight starts this season, Jones completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions—delivering steady, tough play that helped keep San Francisco in playoff contention.
The 49ers made a savvy move by signing Jones to a two-year deal in March, keeping him under contract through 2026. His affordable salary next season only boosts his appeal for teams searching for a cost-effective starter or a reliable bridge quarterback.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk recently noted that league chatter links the Minnesota Vikings to potential interest in Jones after the season.
In his Sports Illustrated mailbag, NFL insider Albert Breer was asked which teams might pursue Jones and what kind of compensation the 49ers could expect in return.
"The first thing you have to remember is that you're trading not just players, but contracts," Breer explained. "And Jones is under contract for $4.66 million for 2026. Having a starting quarterback at that number in today's NFL is basically stealing. Add in the chance to franchise tag Jones in 2027 if things go really well, and there's a ton of value there for a team looking for a bridge quarterback that they can win with."
Breer also notes the Vikings as a potential suitor for all the same reasons Florio pointed out, while also highlighting the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals as possible suitors. Both teams could benefit from a low-cost, scheme-friendly quarterback while moving on from expensive veterans with one year of heavy guarantees remaining.
So what could the 49ers realistically expect in return?
"Putting all that together, could the Niners get, say, a Day 2 pick in 2026 and maybe a conditional Day 3 pick in 2027 for Jones? It's not out of the question," Breer wrote.
H/t to Niners Wire for the find.