The NFL free agency period has officially started, and while the quarterback market has shown inconsistency, several teams in need of quarterbacks are exploring trade options. One player attracting attention is San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones. Although multiple teams have inquired about acquiring Jones, the asking price from the 49ers remains prohibitive, keeping potential deals at bay for now. Observers await to see which franchise, if any, will step forward with a suitable offer.
San Francisco’s Firm Stance on Mac Jones’ Trade Value
Dianna Russini, a senior NFL insider for The Athletic, revealed that the 49ers are holding firm on their trade demands when it comes to Jones. Last season, Jones showed improvement and reliability when he replaced starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who was sidelined due to injuries. His capable performance in Purdy’s absence has increased his perceived value on the trade market.
Although the exact trade price remains undisclosed, industry sources speculate the 49ers could be seeking at least a second-round draft pick in exchange. This high valuation has reportedly discouraged interested teams from advancing their offers, as the cost appears steep to some potential buyers.
Team Leadership Emphasizes Retaining Jones Amid Trade Talks
Despite fielding trade inquiries, both head coach Kyle Shanahan and president of football operations/general manager John Lynch have expressed their preference to keep Jones with the franchise through the 2026 season. At a January press conference, Shanahan acknowledged openness to trade proposals but made clear the organization’s reluctance to part with valuable players.
As any player on our team, including myself and John [Lynch], you always listen to people and trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players,
Shanahan said.
So, I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.
Strategic Considerations Behind San Francisco’s Trade Approach
The 49ers may also be factoring in potential future benefits tied to Jones’s contract status. Should Jones sign a lucrative free agent deal in 2027, San Francisco stands to receive compensatory draft picks, which adds a layer of complexity to their willingness to trade him prematurely. Jones’s solid play during Purdy’s nine-game absence last season also influences the team’s decision-making, as it provides insurance against any lingering concerns about Purdy’s health and availability.
Potential Implications for the 49ers and the NFL Quarterback Market
The ongoing stalemate over Jones’s trade value highlights the delicate balance NFL teams must strike between acquiring talent and managing draft capital. By maintaining a firm asking price, the 49ers signal they view Jones as a key asset—not just as backup depth but possibly as a future starter. Any trade involving him would shape quarterback dynamics league-wide and influence team strategies during this unpredictable offseason.
A few teams have called the San Francisco 49ers about QB Mac Jones, but many interested around the league describe their price as “astronomical.”
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 10, 2026
