The San Francisco 49ers have consistently maintained that Mac Jones remains part of their plans for the 2026 NFL season. The veteran quarterback signed a two-year deal last offseason, keeping him under contract through 2026 and out of free agency until 2027.
That means any team interested in Jones this year would have to acquire him via trade.
Jones boosted his value in 2025 while filling in for 49ers starter Brock Purdy, who missed significant time with a turf toe injury. Thrust into the lineup, Jones started eight games, won five, and helped keep San Francisco firmly in the playoff hunt.
He finished the season with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, reestablishing himself as a capable NFL starter. With several quarterback-needy teams expected to explore their options this offseason, Jones could draw legitimate interest.
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell recently outlined a trade proposal that could benefit both the 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings, who are navigating uncertainty after foolishly moving on from both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones.
Here is Barnwell's trade proposal.
Vikings get: QB Mac Jones, 2027 third-round pick
49ers get: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick (conditional), 2028 third-round pick (conditional)
"The 2027 conditional pick would trigger based on Jones' playing time with the Vikings," Barnwell explained. "If he starts four games in 2026, the Vikings send a fifth-round pick out west. If Jones starts 12 games, that gets upped to a third-rounder. And then, if Jones re-signs with the Vikings after the 2026 season and starts at least one game for the Vikings in 2027, the 49ers would land another third-round pick."
From Minnesota's perspective, Jones would provide experienced competition for J.J. McCarthy, who has yet to establish himself at the NFL level. He could also serve as a bridge starter, giving the Vikings additional time to evaluate their young quarterback. If he proves to be more than that, the 49ers would receive more.
"Jones is due just $4.7 million in 2026, which will be the final year of his contract," Barnwell wrote. "And of course, we know that the Vikings have been willing to take a swing on quarterbacks who have gone through the Kyle Shanahan rejuvenation cycle before, having signed Sam Darnold after the now-Super Bowl champion's only year in San Francisco."
For the 49ers, however, moving Jones would not be a simple decision. Keeping him as Brock Purdy's backup provides continuity and insurance in a system he already knows well. Jones has proven he can operate efficiently in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, making him a valuable piece in the quarterback room.
If the 49ers were to trade Jones, they might look to add a backup familiar with Shanahan's scheme.
"Holding on to Jones as their backup makes sense, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Niners fully intend to keep him -- although it would also hardly be a surprise if the 49ers signed Kirk Cousins to reunite the veteran signal-caller with Shanahan in San Francisco," Barnwell noted.
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