Mac Jones had a strong season as the San Francisco 49ers‘ backup quarterback in 2025.

Jones started eight games while Brock Purdy dealt with a toe injury and went 5-3 in those starts. He threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns with just six interceptions while completing 69.6% of his passes.

That performance has generated trade interest from other teams. But head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear Tuesday that the 49ers have no intention of moving Jones this offseason.

“We’re not into getting rid of good players,” Shanahan said, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “I’d be surprised if he’s not here next year.”

General manager John Lynch echoed Shanahan’s sentiments, praising Jones for his contributions both on and off the field.

“Mac made this place better and picked us up in a huge way,” Lynch said, per Inman. “Can’t say enough about his play but also his leadership.”

Why the 49ers Want to Keep Mac Jones

Jones signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with San Francisco in March 2025.

That deal keeps him under team control through the 2026 season, and the 49ers view him as one of the NFL’s best backup quarterbacks. After watching Purdy miss 10 weeks during the 2025 season, San Francisco understands the value of having a capable replacement ready to step in.

Purdy played in just eight regular-season games in 2025, highlighting the need for a reliable backup. Jones proved he could not only fill in but also win games when called upon. His 5-3 record as a starter kept the 49ers competitive during Purdy’s absence and positioned them for a playoff push.

Jones’ familiarity with Shanahan’s system is another factor working in his favor. He spent the entire 2025 season learning the offense and building chemistry with San Francisco’s playmakers. Replacing him would mean starting over with a new backup who would need time to adjust.

The 49ers also value Jones’ leadership. Lynch’s comments about Jones making the team “better” suggest his influence extends beyond just his play on the field. That type of presence in the quarterback room is difficult to replace.

Mac Jones’ Willingness to Stay With the 49ers

Jones has made it clear he is comfortable remaining in San Francisco, even in a backup role.

The opportunity to play under Shanahan was a major reason Jones signed with the 49ers in the first place. Despite his strong performance in 2025, Jones is not demanding a trade or insisting on a starting opportunity elsewhere.

“That’s why I came here,” Jones said, per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. “Knowing that I wanted to be around Kyle and such a great system, knowing that it was a good fit for me. That’s part of it, and I think for me, the challenge this offseason and whatever happens, happens.”

Jones added: “Love the guys here and that would be fine.”

That mindset is rare among backup quarterbacks who have proven they can start. Jones showed in 2025 that he is capable of leading an offense and winning games, yet he is willing to remain in San Francisco even if it means sitting behind Purdy.

That maturity and willingness to embrace his role make Jones even more valuable to the 49ers. The organization knows it has a backup who is ready to step in at any moment without causing disruption or drama.

Mac Jones’ Redemption Arc in San Francisco

Jones’ success with the 49ers represents a significant turnaround from his previous stops.

He opened his career with the New England Patriots in 2021 and showed promise as a rookie. But he struggled over the next two seasons and was eventually traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick in 2024.

Jones spent one year in Jacksonville, throwing for 1,672 yards and eight touchdowns with eight interceptions. The Jaguars moved on after one season, and Jones signed with San Francisco looking to rebuild his career.

The results speak for themselves. Jones looked sharp in Shanahan’s system and proved he could execute at a high level when given the opportunity. His completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and overall efficiency were all significant improvements from his time in New England and Jacksonville.

Shanahan’s offense gave Jones the structure and support he needed to succeed. And Jones took full advantage, showing the type of play that made him a first-round pick in 2021.

Why Other Teams Will Show Interest in Mac Jones

Despite Shanahan and Lynch’s comments, other teams will inquire about Jones this offseason.

Several franchises are in the market for a veteran quarterback who can compete for a starting job or provide quality depth. Jones fits that profile perfectly. He is 27 years old, has starting experience, and just completed a strong season in one of the NFL’s most quarterback-friendly systems.

Teams that missed out on top free-agent or draft options could view Jones as an attractive fallback. His contract is team-friendly, which makes him even more appealing to organizations looking for value at the quarterback position.

But the 49ers hold the leverage. Jones is under contract through 2026, and San Francisco has no reason to trade him unless a team makes an offer that is too good to pass up. Shanahan and Lynch have made it clear they value Jones and want him back, which suggests it would take a significant return to pry him away.

What This Means for Mac Jones’ Future

Shanahan and Lynch’s comments suggest Jones will remain with the 49ers in 2026.

The organization views him as a key part of the roster, and Jones is comfortable staying in San Francisco even in a backup role. That combination makes it unlikely the 49ers will trade him this offseason.

Other teams will inquire, but San Francisco has no incentive to move a player they value highly unless the return is substantial. The 49ers need a reliable backup after Purdy missed most of the 2025 season, and Jones proved he can step in and win games when needed.

For Jones, staying in San Francisco gives him the best of both worlds. He gets to continue learning from Shanahan while remaining in a system where he has already proven he can succeed. And if Purdy suffers another injury in 2026, Jones will be ready to step in and perform at a high level.

Barring an unexpected offer from another team, Mac Jones will be back in a 49ers uniform next season.