As the trade market rumors begin to make their rounds, the Jets have been linked to Mac Jones in a potential offseason trade.
The San Francisco 49ers entered the offseason fully aware that Mac Jones would attract interest, and that expectation is quickly becoming a reality.
After a strong showing in relief of Brock Purdy last season, Jones has emerged as one of the more appealing quarterback options on the trade market, with the New York Jets now being mentioned as a potential suitor.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan recently connected New York to Jones, projecting that a potential deal could cost the Jets a third-round pick.
With uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ long-term answer under center, Jones has quietly become one of the more intriguing trade candidates on the market.
San Francisco signed Jones to a two-year, $7 million contract last offseason, a decision that has proven more significant than initially anticipated.
In Brock Purdy's absence due to injury, Jones stepped in effectively, helping stabilize a 49ers team with Super Bowl ambitions.
He achieved an impressive completion rate of 69.6%, amassing 2,151 passing yards while throwing 13 touchdowns against six interceptions, ultimately guiding the team to a 5-3 record as a starter.
His efficiency, field leadership, and ability to perform under pressure have been instrumental in maintaining the team's competitive standing throughout the season.
That performance has not gone unnoticed around the league. Several teams are in need of a starting-caliber quarterback or at least a credible bridge option, and Jones checks both boxes. Among those teams, the Jets stand out as a logical fit.
Sullivan noted that while Purdy is firmly entrenched as San Francisco’s franchise quarterback, Jones “endear[ed] himself” to the organization and league observers alike during his stint as the starter.
He also pointed out that the upcoming rookie quarterback class lacks top-end strength, which could further inflate the market for proven veterans like Jones.
In that context, Jones fits a familiar and appealing profile: a former first-round pick who fell out of favor with his original team but appears primed for a resurgence in the right situation.
For the 49ers, the decision isn’t simple. Moving Jones would provide valuable draft capital, but keeping him ensures one of the league’s better backup quarterback situations behind Purdy.
Given San Francisco’s championship aspirations, that security has real value.
As the offseason progresses, interest in Jones is only expected to grow. Whether he remains in the Bay Area or becomes the Jets’ next quarterback experiment, his strong 2025 showing has ensured he’ll be a central figure in this year’s quarterback conversation.