However, with Jones entering the final year of his contract, 2026 could present a different scenario, according to several NFL executives.
SportsBoom's Jason La Canfora reports that rival executives believe Jones could become a luxury by the trade deadline. A move could come into play if San Francisco finds itself struggling to keep up with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in the race for the NFC West crown.
The 49ers' defense struggled to generate pressure last season, finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks. La Canfora notes there's no guarantee the pass rush will improve significantly in 2026, despite the team's offseason efforts to address the issue.
If those struggles continue, San Francisco could explore the trade market for additional pass-rushing help. In that scenario, Jones might become a valuable trade asset, particularly if a quarterback-needy team emerges during the season. Moving the veteran quarterback could provide the draft capital needed to secure an impact edge rusher.
Of course, that possibility hinges on Purdy remaining healthy throughout the season. If the franchise quarterback stays on the field and Jones spends Sundays on the sideline, rival executives believe the backup could become expendable, especially with free agency looming in 2027.
"You think Kyle's going to sit back and let his buddy (Rams coach Sean MvCay) have all the fun?" one personnel executive told La Canfora.
"They're going to have to get creative, too. The Rams keep raising the stakes… You have a backup QB who isn't helping you win games, and somebody else wants him; it's time to sell… Kyle will find another project to rehab. He always does."
For now, it looks like Jones will be a part of the 49ers roster heading into the 2026 season, providing the team with a reliable backup should Purdy miss any time. However, if he spends the year watching from the sidelines, San Francisco could become increasingly willing to listen to trade offers as the deadline approaches.
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