Mac Jones' revitalized play presents the 49ers a compelling trade chip. ESPN highlights his potential to fetch valuable assets this offseason.
The San Francisco 49ers remain focused on the present, with a chance to lock up a playoff berth this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. Still, as December winds down, attention naturally begins to drift toward what could be a pivotal 2026 offseason for the franchise.
After operating conservatively last spring to preserve financial flexibility, San Francisco is expected to have more resources at its disposal this offseason. That flexibility opens the door for roster movement in several forms. This includes the possibility of trading away a player whose value may never be higher.
According to ESPN, backup quarterback Mac Jones could emerge as one of the more compelling trade candidates on the market once the season concludes.
Jones revitalized his standing around the league during Brock Purdy’s injury absence earlier this season. Across eight starts, the former first-round pick threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He kept the 49ers competitive during a critical stretch of the schedule. He also posted career best marks in completion percentage (69.6) and yards per attempt (7.4), showcasing improved decision making and comfort within Kyle Shanahan’s system.
While there was brief external chatter about a quarterback controversy, Purdy’s return quickly re-established him as San Francisco’s clear long term starter. That clarity, however, may actually work in the 49ers’ favor. Jones is under contract for one more season at a modest $2.8 million, making him an affordable option for teams in need of a quarterback who are looking for someone who can potentially become a starter or at the very least some competition at the position.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano highlighted that appeal, noting that Jones’ recent play has prompted teams with unsettled quarterback situations to take notice. As Graziano wrote, “There are plenty of teams with unsettled 2026 quarterback situations…that could look to a 27-year-old former first-round pick who has been through the Kyle Shanahan career rehab program as part of their potential solution.”
San Francisco’s recent roster maneuvering adds another layer to the conversation. The team re-signed Adrian Martinez to the practice squad earlier this week, giving the 49ers four quarterbacks currently in the building. They currently have Purdy, Jones, rookie Kurtis Rourke, and Martinez. That depth could allow the coaching staff to quietly evaluate whether internal options are capable of filling backup roles should Jones be moved.
The 49ers have developed a reputation as a quarterback friendly environment, with recent examples like Sam Darnold and now Jones rebuilding their value under Shanahan. Given Purdy’s new contract and the team’s ongoing need to allocate resources elsewhere, retaining two low cost backups behind him could be the most efficient path forward.
If trade interest materializes this offseason, Jones may represent a rare opportunity for San Francisco to convert strong backup play into meaningful draft capital, all while maintaining stability at the game’s most important position heading into 2026.