The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis, marking the unofficial start of serious offseason trade discussions. With representatives from all 32 teams in attendance, trade conversations will intensify, and the San Francisco 49ers are expected to be at the center of several.
General manager John Lynch is widely expected to explore upgrades along the defensive line, including a potential inquiry about Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, rival teams may also approach Lynch about one of his own players: Mac Jones.
Mac Jones boosted his value with the 49ers
Jones started eight games this past season while filling in for Brock Purdy, who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. The former first-round pick went 5-3 as a starter, throwing for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, keeping the 49ers firmly in the postseason hunt.
After rejuvenating his career in his lone season in San Francisco, Jones appears to have rebuilt interest. With the quarterback under contract through the 2026 season, any quarterback-needy team would need to negotiate a trade with the 49ers.
According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, at least one NFC contender could make an aggressive push.
"While the need for a pass rusher and all the speculation regarding Maxx Crosby's future home will be hot topics, it always comes down to quarterbacks at the combine," Tafur wrote. "Faced with a weak class of QBs in this draft, teams such as the Vikings are expected to make big offers for Mac Jones."
Why the Vikings make sense
Jones is just 27 years old and demonstrated he can still function as an NFL starting quarterback in the right system. The Vikings could be searching for stability after moving on from both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones following the 2024 season. And J.J. McCarthy may not be the future in Minnesota.
Darnold went on to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship. Minnesota may hope Jones can replicate that success.
Tafur suggested the market could escalate quickly.
"The bidding starts with a third-round pick … do we hear a second-round pick?" Tafur added. "Going once, going twice … There is also the matter of who Kyle Shanahan's next project will be, as young first-round busts and veteran castoffs will all want to be the next Sam Darnold or Jones. There's Anthony Richardson, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields … yeah, it's not a great list."
Will the 49ers actually move Jones?
The 49ers have publicly expressed a desire to retain Jones as valuable insurance behind Purdy. Given Purdy's recent injury history, depth at quarterback remains a priority for head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Still, San Francisco has historically at least listened to trade inquiries, even when reluctant to part with a player.
"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 in January. "And so, I'd be very surprised if Mac wasn't around us next year."
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