49ers Plan to Keep Quarterback Mac Jones

The San Francisco 49ers are planning to keep quarterback Mac Jones on the team for the next season. He will be the main backup for Brock Purdy. This comes after Jones played well when Purdy was injured.
By Newsroom | NFL, San Francisco |

The San Francisco 49ers reportedly plan to keep quarterback Mac Jones on their roster this offseason, contrary to ongoing trade rumors. Sources indicate the team intends to retain Jones as the primary backup to Brock Purdy, despite speculation linking him to other teams. This stance suggests the 49ers value Jones's contribution and stability within their quarterback room.

Sources: 49ers not planning to trade QB Jones - 1

Team's Official Position and Player's Performance

The prevailing reports indicate the 49ers are not actively seeking to trade Mac Jones. This position appears consistent with statements from head coach Kyle Shanahan, who, while acknowledging potential trade discussions, has also expressed a desire to keep Jones.

Sources: 49ers not planning to trade QB Jones - 2

  • Sources suggest the 49ers intend to bring Mac Jones back as Brock Purdy's backup.

  • Jones's performance during the 2025 season, stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy, is highlighted as a factor in his perceived value. He started eight games, achieving a 5-3 record and contributing to the team's playoff contention.

  • During his starts, Jones accumulated 2,151 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, showcasing a degree of competence that has apparently revived interest in his career.

Conflicting Signals and Market Value

While the official stance from the 49ers is to retain Jones, some reporting suggests a complex interplay between the team's stated intentions and the potential for trade offers.

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Sources: 49ers not planning to trade QB Jones - 3

Internal Assessment vs. External Interest

"The San Francisco 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." - Adam Schefter, ESPN

  • Coach Kyle Shanahan has been quoted acknowledging Jones's "infectious attitude" and his ability to positively influence the team.

  • Despite the team's reported desire to keep him, Jones's name has emerged in trade discussions, with some suggesting quarterback-needy teams may explore acquiring him.

  • Could the team's public declaration of not planning a trade be a tactic to increase the perceived value of Jones on the trade market, should they decide to move him?

Potential Trade Scenarios

Reports indicate that while the 49ers may not be actively pushing for a trade, they would likely demand a significant return if an offer were to materialize.

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Sources: 49ers not planning to trade QB Jones - 4

  • Some insiders suggest the 49ers are "posturing" to secure a high draft pick for Jones.

  • The possibility exists that if a sufficiently attractive offer arises, the team's preference to retain Jones could shift.

  • The market for Jones is described as potentially lucrative, with some analysts believing he could command at least a fourth-round pick, and potentially more, given his demonstrated ability to perform as a starter.

Player's Perspective

Mac Jones himself has reportedly expressed a willingness to remain with the 49ers.

  • He signed a two-year contract with the team in March, indicating a commitment to the organization.

  • Jones has stated he would be "thrilled" to continue in San Francisco as Brock Purdy's backup, citing a good "fit" within the team's system.

Expert Commentary and Future Outlook

Various NFL insiders have weighed in on the situation, generally corroborating the 49ers' current disposition regarding Jones.

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"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." - Dianna Russini, The Athletic

  • Adam Schefter of ESPN has repeatedly reinforced that the 49ers do not plan to trade Jones, suggesting he will remain with the team as Purdy's backup.

  • Other reporters, including Dianna Russini of The Athletic, have echoed this sentiment, indicating the 49ers' preference is to keep their current quarterback tandem.

  • It remains to be seen whether this stated preference will hold firm throughout the offseason, particularly if significant trade offers emerge.

Conclusion and Implications

The current reporting strongly suggests that the San Francisco 49ers' immediate plan is to retain Mac Jones as their backup quarterback for the upcoming season. This decision appears to be influenced by his performance when called upon and his reported positive impact on team morale.

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  • The consistent messaging from multiple reputable sources points to the 49ers' intention to keep Jones.

  • This stance offers stability to the quarterback room behind Brock Purdy.

  • However, the presence of speculation regarding his trade value and the team's potential willingness to entertain offers, albeit at a high price, introduces an element of uncertainty.

  • The 49ers appear to be in a strong negotiating position, with the ability to decide whether to keep Jones or leverage him for valuable draft capital, should the right opportunity arise.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the 49ers trade Mac Jones?
Reports say the 49ers plan to keep Mac Jones and not trade him.
Q: Why do the 49ers want to keep Mac Jones?
Jones played well when he started games for the injured Brock Purdy. The team likes his attitude and how he helps the team.
Q: Who will Mac Jones back up?
He will be the main backup for the starting quarterback, Brock Purdy.
Q: Did Mac Jones want to stay with the 49ers?
Yes, Jones signed a new contract and said he would be happy to stay as Purdy's backup.