Report: 49ers have no plans to trade backup QB Mac Jones

Report: 49ers have no plan to trade QB Mac Jones

According to multiple reports, the San Francisco 49ers do not plan on trading backup quarterback Mac Jones this offseason.

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The 49ers have no plans to trade Mac Jones, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and the reasoning ties directly to what Jones provided this season when Brock Purdy missed time due to injury.

When Purdy went down with a toe injury, Mac Jones was asked to step in and keep the offense functional during a critical stretch of the season. The 49ers didn’t change their system or overhaul the game plan.

Jones was expected to run Kyle Shanahan’s offense as designed, manage protections, and get the ball to San Francisco’s skill players. That’s exactly what he did.

Despite continued speculation, the 49ers have no plans to trade QB Mac Jones this off-season and fully intend to bring him back to back up Brock Purdy, per sources. pic.twitter.com/3KzFoAQlOU

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 8, 2026

More on 49ers QB Mac Jones

Mac Jones started games with limited prep time, operated the offense efficiently, and avoided costly mistakes.

He worked primarily out of the pocket, leaned on the quick passing game, and showed comfort making pre-snap reads and adjustments. While the offense leaned heavily on the run game and short throws, Jones provided consistency at the position and kept the team competitive while Purdy recovered.

During the 2025 season (11 games, 8 starts), Jones passed for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns (6 interceptions), posting a 5-3 record in starts and keeping San Francisco afloat amid Purdy’s absence.

That stretch is a major reason the 49ers view Mac Jones as valuable quarterback depth rather than a trade chip.

From a roster perspective, Jones fits what San Francisco prioritizes in a backup quarterback: experience, affordability, and familiarity with structured offenses. He is under contract on a team-friendly deal and does not require long-term financial commitment. That makes him a low-cost insurance policy at the most important position on the field.

Quarterback injuries have defined recent 49ers seasons, including playoff runs that unraveled due to a lack of depth. Keeping Mac Jones gives San Francisco a proven option if Purdy misses time again, without needing to turn to an untested rookie or sign a veteran midseason.

Jones’ resume also matters. He is a former first-round pick with multiple seasons as an NFL starter, playoff experience, and a Pro Bowl appearance earlier in his career. That experience showed when he was asked to step in without disrupting the offense’s structure.

While teams around the league are always looking for quarterback help, the 49ers are prioritizing stability. Trading Mac Jones would create more risk than reward, especially given how important depth has been to their recent success.

For now, San Francisco’s position is clear: Mac Jones remains part of the plan, serving as reliable quarterback insurance behind Brock Purdy.

Jones is set to make $2.8 million during the 2026 season in his final year under contract with the 49ers.