The San Francisco 49ers are not very interested in trading quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, according to various reports. General manager John Lynch will receive offers for his backup signal caller. With Jones drawing intrigue, we'll see how hellbent the 49ers are on keeping him.
Jones appeared in 11 games for the 49ers last season due to multiple Brock Purdy injuries. The former Alabama standout played at a high level, completing a career-high 69.6% of his passing attempts. Jones threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He performed like a starting-caliber quarterback.
Jones improved under quarterback whisperer Kyle Shanahan in 2025. Considering Sam Darnold did something similar in 2023 before winning a Super Bowl elsewhere two campaigns later, there will understandably be significant interest in Jones as a reclamation project. We've identified three potential landing spots via trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in familiar territory. They're waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. The widespread belief was that Rodgers would retire following the 2025 season, but the appointment of his former coach, Mike McCarthy, in Pittsburgh has led to a possible reunion between Super Bowl-winning QB and coach.
The Steelers don't have many alternative options at quarterback this offseason. They could target a mid-round QB in the 2026 NFL Draft like Garrett Nussmeier. They could sign Malik Willis in free agency, or target someone like Jones or Kyler Murray via trade. If Rodgers walks away, acquiring Jones should be one of the options that garners consideration.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are dealing with unfortunate circumstances. They were terrible in 2025, finishing 4-13. Tiebreaker rules awarded them the No. 2 overall selection in the draft, meaning they lost the Fernando Mendoza sweepstakes to the Las Vegas Raiders. Getting the second pick in a one-quarterback draft sounds like something that would happen to the Jets.
The Jets have the same options the Steelers do. It could be a mid-round rookie quarterback like Nussmeier or Trinidad Chambliss (if he declares). Willis, Murray, and Jones are among the alternatives. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn just hired an experienced offensive coordinator and play-caller in Frank Reich. Jones would make sense in Reich's offense.
Minnesota Vikings
The 2025 NFL season was a difficult one for the Minnesota Vikings. They moved on from Darnold, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy did not play at a high level and also dealt with various injuries. His future is in doubt, as reports indicate the Vikings plan to acquire veteran competition this offseason.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired. Considering how well Jones played in Shanahan's offense, he'd be a good fit for Kevin O'Connell, who runs similar concepts. The Vikings have already been tied to a potential Kirk Cousins reunion, but Jones would offer more long-term upside.