NFL Rumors: 49ers to Trade QB Mac Jones; Asking Price Revealed

November 25, 2025 , , , , , , , ,

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones reacts during 2025 game.

The San Francisco 49ers may have stumbled into a valuable trade chip. 

While Brock Purdy healed his toe injury, Mac Jones stepped in and quietly rebuilt his reputation as a starting-caliber quarterback, leading the team to a 5-3 record and completing nearly seventy percent of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. 

Now that Purdy is healthy and has reclaimed his role as QB1, insiders are wondering if Jones’ future in San Francisco is really as a backup or as a key asset in an offseason trade.

What Mac Jones’ contract means for a 49ers trade return

NFL insider Albert Breer has already laid out why Jones’ value is about more than his stat line. He pointed out that any team trading for Jones would also be acquiring a very friendly deal, with the quarterback under contract for just $4.66 million in 2026 and still eligible for the franchise tag in 2027. 

In a league where even average starters command massive salaries, a competent quarterback at that number is close to a bargain.

Because of that contract and his strong play in Kyle Shanahan’s system, Breer believes the 49ers could realistically ask for a 2026 Day 2 pick plus a conditional Day 3 pick in 2027. 

That type of return would be hard to dismiss, especially for a franchise that already has its long-term starter in Purdy and constantly looks for extra draft capital to keep a loaded roster refreshed.

Potential landing spots if the 49ers move Mac Jones

If San Francisco puts Jones on the block, there should be no shortage of suitors. 

Breer name-checked the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals as logical fits. 

Minnesota could use Jones as affordable insurance and competition for J.J. McCarthy on a win-now roster. Miami and Arizona could view him as a scheme-friendly bridge option if they look to reset from expensive or inconsistent starters in the near future.

Other sources have floated even more landing spots. The Pittsburgh Steelers could see Jones as a natural successor if their current veteran option moves on.

The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders all profile as teams that may want a relatively cheap veteran who can stabilize the position without the long-term cap pain that comes with a blockbuster quarterback contract. 

In a 2026 draft class that may not be rich in sure-thing passers, Jones’ 2025 tape with the 49ers makes him a nice trade target.

For now, Kyle Shanahan insists he is happy to have Jones as his backup, and there is real value in that security after seeing how quickly injuries can derail a season. But if multiple teams start dangling a Day 2 pick and more, the 49ers will have a serious decision to make.

Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Go To: NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors | NHL Rumors