The NFL combine, widely regarded as the premier showcase for college football talent, took place this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, drawing more than 300 top prospects. While athletes underwent evaluations and drills, the combine’s lesser-known drama unfolded behind closed doors, where coaches and front office personnel engaged in critical discussions about future team strategies and potential trades. Among the San Francisco 49ers, these talks have centered heavily on the backup quarterback Mac Jones, whose situation is attracting increasing attention amid the 2026 NFL offseason.
With several teams searching for a starting quarterback, including the Raiders, Jets, and Cardinals, interest in Jones has heated up. Though the Raiders are anticipated to draft Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, other teams such as the Dolphins, Steelers, Browns, Colts, Vikings, and Falcons are exploring their options at the position for the coming season.
Teams Evaluating Quarterback Needs as Offseason Unfolds
Several franchises face uncertainty at quarterback this offseason. Miami appears ready to part ways with Tua Tagovailoa, while Cleveland and Minnesota remain indecisive regarding Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, and J.J. McCarthy, respectively. The injury setbacks to quarterbacks Daniel Jones of Indianapolis, who suffered an Achilles tear potentially ending his season, and Michael Penix of Atlanta, who partially tore his ACL, have added urgency to these evaluations.
Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski highlighted the importance of reliable quarterback performance, stating,
“What we do know is we need a level of baseline quarterback play for us to be effective.”
He further elaborated,
“A lot of this has been J.J. in unfortunate (situations) with some of the injuries and things that he’s dealt with, but we’re going to explore every opportunity, and I don’t think there’s anything specifically we’re looking for. We can’t manufacture anything that’s not there. So No. 1, what are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable? All those things. There’s just a lot of factors that go into it.”
– Rob Brzezinski, Vikings Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Mac Jones’ NFL Journey and Recent Performance
The backup quarterback role has put Mac Jones in a spotlight during these negotiations, with the San Francisco 49ers leveraging their position due to his skill set and rising demand. Jones’ career trajectory has been notable: after being drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 2021, he showed promise by throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns in his rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl nomination.
However, his following two seasons were less successful, eventually leading to a trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. There, he served primarily as a backup to Trevor Lawrence, appearing in 10 games and starting seven, accumulating 1,672 yards and eight touchdowns. After being released by Jacksonville, Jones signed with the 49ers and notably revived his career.
When Brock Purdy suffered an injury last season, many expected the 49ers’ hopes to falter, but Jones stepped in effectively under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s guidance. He helped the team achieve an 8-3 record, completing 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns. His quality quarterback rating (QBR) stood at 62.3, underscoring his capacity to lead a competitive offense.
Trade Implications and Outlook for the 49ers and Other Teams
San Francisco holds significant bargaining power due to Jones’ resurgence and the heightened demand for capable quarterbacks across the league. Although it remains uncertain whether Jones will become a full-time starter or remain as a backup, his performance has made him an attractive asset in trade discussions.
With the quarterback market unpredictable, many organizations are closely monitoring options to improve their rosters for the 2026 season. The 49ers find themselves at the center of this dynamic, navigating questions about not only Jones but also the contract status of star left tackle Trent Williams, adding further complexity to their offseason strategy.
As the NFL draft approaches and teams finalize plans, the outcomes of these talks will be pivotal for several franchises aiming to solidify the quarterback position, making Mac Jones a key figure in the ongoing NFL offseason narrative.
