The San Francisco 49ers are poised to make a decision on the future of quarterback Mac Jones within the next week, potentially before the start of the NFL free agency legal tampering period on March 9, according to multiple reports. While both head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have publicly expressed a desire to retain Jones for the 2026 season, the team is actively gauging the market for potential trade offers.
Lynch reiterated the 49ers’ valuation of Jones at the NFL Combine, stating a “fairly strong” offer would be required to consider a trade. “He’s really fine for us and we value that,” Lynch said, as reported by Niners Nation. “And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider. And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously there’s always something that would make you do it, but I think we’re a better team with him on it and we just like having him around.”
The potential for a trade is driven by the 49ers’ need to address other roster needs and accumulate draft capital. The team has “holes” and needs “clarity ahead of the start of free agency,” according to a report from The Standard. Jones’ performance as a capable backup to Brock Purdy, filling in for eight starts in 2025 with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, has increased his trade value, but the 49ers are not expected to settle for a minimal return.
Recent NFL trades involving quarterbacks suggest a timeframe for a potential deal. The Seattle Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders on March 7 of last year, while Derek Carr signed with the Saints on March 6 in 2023. Further back, the Seahawks sent Russell Wilson to the Broncos on March 8, 2022, and the Patriots traded Jones to the Jaguars on March 10, 2024. These transactions all occurred before the official start of free agency, highlighting the period as a critical window for quarterback movement.
A trade could benefit acquiring teams beyond simply adding a quarterback. The presence of Jones could make a team more attractive to free agent receivers, as noted in reports, and allow for potential contract extension negotiations before the financial implications of free agency fully materialize.
If no acceptable offers are received, the 49ers are prepared to retain Jones, whose $3 million cap number for 2026 makes him an affordable and proven backup. Delaying a trade until the NFL Draft could reduce the number of potential suitors, as teams may focus on developing rookie quarterbacks. The 49ers reportedly used the NFL Combine to assess interest in Jones and are now awaiting final offers, with a decision expected by the end of the week.
The team could also consider Zach Wilson as a potential replacement for Jones should he be traded.
