Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine looked at one trade for each NFL team, and three involved the San Francisco 49ers. Two centered on quarterback Mac Jones and one exploring the potential return for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Trade proposal No. 1: Mac Jones to the Vikings


In the first scenario, the 49ers deal Jones to the Minnesota Vikings for future draft capital.


Vikings receive:
QB Mac Jones

49ers receive:
2026 third-round pick (No. 82)
2027 conditional pick (fourth round, escalating to second based on snaps/performance)

The move would give San Francisco immediate and future assets while providing Minnesota insurance behind quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

"It's hard to imagine the Vikings moving forward with no competition for McCarthy," Ballentine wrote. "Minnesota could offer a late Day 2 pick in this year's draft with a conditional pick that's based on Jones' impact next season."

Trade proposal No. 2: Mac Jones for edge help


A second proposal sends Jones to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for edge rusher Nick Herbig and a late draft pick.


49ers receive:
Edge Nick Herbig
2026 sixth-round pick (No. 215)

Steelers receive:
QB Mac Jones

The 49ers recorded a league-low 20 sacks in 2025, making pass rush a clear priority this offseason. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh could face uncertainty at quarterback if Aaron Rodgers does not return in 2026.

"Jones is worth more to another team than he is to the Niners at this point," Ballentine wrote. "His 5-3 run as the starter during Brock Purdy's absence showed that he could be the next reclamation project that becomes a legitimate NFL starter.

"Meanwhile, Nick Herbig had a breakout campaign himself for the Steelers. He led the league in pass rush win rate and tallied 7.5 sacks. Pittsburgh is going to have a tough decision to make with a ton of money already invested in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith."


Herbig has recorded 13 sacks over the last two seasons, and his 87.3 Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade in 2025 would have led all qualifying 49ers defenders.

Trade proposal No. 3: Brandon Aiyuk's market value


Ballentine also floated a potential landing spot for Aiyuk: the New Orleans Saints.

Saints receive:
WR Brandon Aiyuk
49ers receive:
2026 sixth-round pick (No. 189)
2027 conditional Day 3 pick (based on games played/production)

Aiyuk's value has dropped after suffering ACL and MCL injuries in 2024 and causing drama within the 49ers organization. At this stage, San Francisco may need to weigh whether modest draft compensation is preferable to an outright release.

"Brandon Aiyuk's stock has dipped after a major knee injury that cost him the 2025 season and a well?documented rift with the 49ers over his contract, so some teams might be hesitant to pursue him," Ballentine wrote. "The Saints haven't traditionally been a team scared off in these situations."


Ballentine pointed to New Orleans' prior gamble on Chase Young as precedent, as well as the need to surround quarterback Tyler Shough with playmakers.

"This move would be a gamble," he added. "The draft compensation isn't a ton, but the Saints would also have to pay the receiver. However, it's a gamble that could result in forming one of the best receiver tandems in the league if both can stay healthy."

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