San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated last week that he expects backup quarterback Mac Jones to remain with the team during the 2026 season. Despite that stance, trade speculation continues to follow the former first-round pick after his extended playing time in 2025.
Jones filled in effectively for starter Brock Purdy while Purdy dealt with a turf toe injury, a stretch that helped elevate Jones' perceived trade value around the league. With several quarterback-needy teams expected to explore their options this offseason, the 49ers are likely to receive inquiries.
"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."
However, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer is less certain that Jones will remain on the 49ers roster through 2026. When asked in a recent mailbag which team he expects Jones to play for next season, Breer pointed to another NFC squad.
"Everybody, Minnesota would be a fun idea," Breer responded. "The Vikings will bring in competition for J.J. McCarthy, but may have to do it on a budget."
Breer did not specify what kind of trade compensation he believes the 49ers could receive. For now, San Francisco appears comfortable maintaining continuity in its quarterback room, which is why the team originally signed Jones to a two-year contract.
Jones finished the 2025 season with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions through eight starts and 11 game appearances.
"They've (the Vikings) explored the reclamation project path that worked so well for them with Sam Darnold in 2024," Breer wrote. "Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray could be ideas, just not on their current contracts. Jones—who, like Darnold, would be coming from San Francisco—would make a good amount of sense."
Jones isn't dwelling on the offseason's uncertainty. Instead, his focus remains on continuing to develop and improve within Shanahan's offense.
"Whatever happens, happens," Jones said. "And I love the guys here, and [remaining here] would be fine."