Speculation has surrounded the future of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, even though he remains under contract for the 2026 season. Jones played a significant role this year while starter Brock Purdy recovered from a turf toe injury, prompting questions about whether a quarterback-needy team might pursue him via trade.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch addressed the situation Wednesday during the 49ers' annual end-of-season press conference. While Shanahan acknowledged that the team is always willing to listen to trade inquiries, he made it clear that moving on from Jones is not the expectation.
"As with any player on our team, including myself and John, you always listen to people with trade offers, but we're also not into getting rid of good players," Shanahan said. "And so, I'd be very surprised if Mac wasn't around us next year."
Jones started eight games for the 49ers during the 2025 season, posting a 5–3 record. He finished the year with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, providing steady play during a critical stretch of the season.
Lynch echoed Shanahan's sentiments, praising both Jones' on-field performance and his impact inside the locker room.
"Mac made this place better," Lynch said. "He was outstanding this season. He picked us up in a huge way, and it was a really fun process to watch him come in, and the joy that he was playing with. He's got an infectious attitude that affects everybody on our team. It affected that quarterback room.
"You talk to Brock—Brock will tell how he made him a better player. The biggest thing he did is, when we needed him, which came early in the season, he went in there and won us a lot of football games, and he kept us in this thing.
"And so, I can't say enough about Mac. Not only his play, [but] his leadership ... I think Mac did that all season. And so, he's been an outstanding addition. Like Kyle said, you always listen, but I know we're a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster."