Shanahan confirms Mac Jones remains the 49ers' invaluable backup, a strategic move preserving championship aspirations with a proven, cost-effective QB.
In an NFL landscape where a steady backup quarterback is worth his weight in gold, the San Francisco 49ers appear to have safely tucked away the league's premier insurance policy. Despite a whirlwind of quarterback movement across the league this offseason, Mac Jones remains a Niner and according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, there was never a moment where he expected otherwise.
When asked at the NFL owners' meetings if he ever truly envisioned a trade materializing for Jones this spring, Shanahan was characteristically blunt and said "no, there wasn’t."
The lack of a trade isn't a reflection of Jones' talent, but rather a testament to his value in Santa Clara and the specific way the veteran quarterback market shook out. While high profile names like Kyler Murray (Vikings), Tua Tagovailoa (Falcons), and Geno Smith (Jets) found new homes, and the Raiders prepared to reset with Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, the 49ers sat quietly on a two year, $8.1 million contract that now looks like an absolute steal.
The Stats That Saved the Season
Jones proved he could win in Shanahan's system. When Brock Purdy was sidelined for eight games with turf toe, Jones stepped into the fire and emerged with the best statistical stretch of his career since being drafted 15th overall in 2021.
- Record as Starter: 5-3
- Completion Percentage: 69.6%
- Passing Yards: 2,151
- Touchdowns/Interceptions: 13 / 6
- Passer Rating: 97.4
Jones’ efficiency kept the 49ers’ championship aspirations alive during the mid-season grind, proving that the gap between Purdy (100.5 passer rating) and Jones was narrow enough to maintain the team's offensive identity.
A "Fairly Strong" Price Tag
General manager John Lynch set the bar high during the NFL Scouting Combine, noting that it would take something "fairly strong" for the team to even consider moving Jones. It appears no team was willing to meet that threshold, especially with a draft class looming and several veterans available for cheaper draft capital.
For the 49ers, the "no trade" outcome is arguably the best case scenario. With Purdy returning as the undisputed starter, having a backup who has already executed the playbook at a high level provides a level of security most contenders lack.
As the 49ers prepare to begin their offseason program on April 20, both Purdy and Jones will receive tailored development plans. Shanahan’s offense is notoriously difficult to master, and having two quarterbacks who have combined for 12 wins and a nearly 70% completion rate in the last year puts San Francisco in an enviable position. The trade calls may have rung, but the 49ers never picked up the phone. In 2026, the quest for a Lombardi Trophy will once again be led by the most reliable quarterback duo in football.