The San Francisco 49ers plan to maintain their existing quarterback lineup in 2026, keeping Mac Jones firmly in the role as Brock Purdy‘s backup. Following Jones’ strong performances during the 2025 season, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are determined to preserve the current arrangement despite outside trade interest involving Jones.
Jones’ Strong Play Raises Trade Interest But 49ers Prefer Stability
Mac Jones proved his value while starting in place of an injured Purdy, compiling a 5-3 record that helped sustain the team’s momentum amid injury challenges. This success attracted some offseason trade inquiries, yet the 49ers have only shown openness to moving Jones if offered an exceptional deal. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that San Francisco is focused on keeping the Brock Purdy-Jones quarterback combination intact for the upcoming campaign.
For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder,
Russini wrote.
Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026. Jones’ 5-3 record as a starter amid the team’s major injury struggles helped keep San Francisco afloat, and Kyle Shanahan loves what he has in the 27-year-old.
Backup Quarterback Role Valued Highly by 49ers Leadership
The trend of quarterbacks initially considered draft disappointments, like Jones, turning around their careers has been notable in the NFL recently and adds to the intrigue surrounding him. For context, Brock Purdy’s former backup, Sam Darnold, has also successfully redefined his trajectory over the past few years. Although the market interest for Jones is moderate, he remains a valuable asset due to his proven ability in spot starts and the uncertainty regarding Purdy’s health.
Kyle Shanahan’s consistent emphasis on the importance of the backup quarterback role underscores the 49ers’ reluctance to disrupt their quarterback depth, especially given Purdy’s injury history. This cautious approach indicates Jones is expected to remain the backup quarterback through at least 2026.
Potential Impact on 49ers’ Quarterback Strategy Moving Forward
Retaining Mac Jones as Brock Purdy’s backup signals the 49ers’ commitment to stability and preparedness at quarterback. With Jones’ capability demonstrated during critical moments in 2025, the team is prioritizing continuity rather than seeking returns from a trade. This strategy could provide the 49ers with a reliable contingency at quarterback heading into future seasons, ensuring they remain competitive despite injury uncertainties.
