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Nick Wagoner
Multiple Authors
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — although ongoing rumors, the San Francisco 49ers have no intention of trading quarterback Mac Jones this offseason and plan to retain him as Brock Purdy’s backup, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday.
In a shifting quarterback market, Jones has emerged as a possible trade candidate for teams seeking a starter. but, the Niners currently have no plans to move him, as he is signed for another year with a cap hit of $3.07 million.
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this during his end-of-season press conference when asked about moving Jones, although he kept the possibility open.
“Like any player on our team, including myself and [general manager] John [Lynch], we always listen to trade offers,” Shanahan stated on Jan. 21. “But we also don’t intend to part with good players. I would be very surprised if Mac isn’t with us next year.”
After posting QBRs of 38.4, 37.5, and 36.6 in the prior three seasons with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones bounced back while starting eight games for the 49ers in 2025.
He achieved a QBR of 62.9 (ninth in the NFL), throwing for 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while averaging 268.9 passing yards in those eight starts as Purdy’s substitute. The Niners recorded a 5-3 record and remained in the playoff hunt until Purdy returned from a right big toe injury sustained in Week 1.
Throughout this period, Jones expressed to ESPN in December that he had regained his passion for football in San Francisco after facing challenges in previous years, describing the experience as “awesome.”
“It was just so fun to get, as I like to say, the train back on the tracks, and that was my goal,” Jones remarked on Jan. 19. “[I] put out a lot of strong film. In a way, I had two seasons in one: one as a starter and another as a backup. It was really beneficial for me, and I had a great time, looking forward to what’s next.”
The 49ers see quarterback depth as a crucial aspect of their roster. though Purdy has thrived as the starter since 2022, he has experienced injuries that caused him to miss at least part of every season except 2023.
Purdy suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow during the NFC Championship Game at the close of the 2022 season, missed two games in 2024 due to shoulder and elbow issues, and sat out eight games in 2025 because of the toe injury.
After facing challenges without Purdy in 2024, the Niners gained the reliable quarterback coverage they had previously lacked with Jones.
“Mac improved our team significantly,” Lynch said. “He was exceptional this season. He stepped up in meaningful ways, and it was thrilling to witness his return to the game with such joy. His infectious attitude positively influenced everyone on our team, particularly in the quarterback room. … As Kyle mentioned, we listen, but I know we are a stronger football team with Mac Jones on our roster.”
Meanwhile, Jones is preparing for any potentialities this offseason, whether that means staying in San Francisco or moving on. but, he did clarify one thing before the offseason began.
“I genuinely believe I’m a starter in this league, and I’m eager to keep improving this offseason and see what unfolds,” Jones stated.
