Two Trade Offers That Could Force the 49ers to Move Mac Jones

The San Francisco 49ers have been consistent in their offseason messaging: quarterback Mac Jones is not on the trade block—unless the right offer comes along. Jones is viewed internally as one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks, a stabilizing insurance policy behind franchise starter Brock Purdy. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, moving Jones would only happen if an incoming offer meaningfully strengthens the roster in talent, draft capital or long-term value.

However, a recent series of proposals from analyst Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report outlined several hypothetical trades for all 32 NFL teams, and two of them feature deals that could legitimately pressure the 49ers to reconsider their stance. Each scenario hinges on different strategic motivations, but both involve asset returns that would be difficult for San Francisco to ignore.

The first offer centers on the Minnesota Vikings, a franchise entering 2026 with quarterback uncertainty. Their depth chart features young passer J.J. McCarthy, who remains unproven at the NFL level and has faced durability concerns dating back to college. In Ballentine’s proposal, Minnesota sends pick No. 82—a third-round selection—paired with a conditional draft pick that begins as a fourth-rounder but escalates all the way to a second-round pick based on Jones’ playing time.

For the 49ers, this structure is precisely the kind of incentive-driven return that makes discussions worthwhile. A guaranteed third-round pick already matches the value of many recent quarterback trades involving backups or fringe starters. But the conditional escalation into Day 2 territory adds an element of upside that could ultimately net San Francisco one of the most valuable picks attainable for a No. 2 quarterback.

Given Minnesota’s situation, the conditional pick reaching the second round is not far-fetched. If McCarthy struggles or misses time, Jones could step in and handle significant snaps. The Vikings, still trying to remain competitive in a changing NFC North, may view Jones as a secure, low-risk option with starting experience. Should that scenario unfold, the 49ers would walk away with a sizeable draft haul simply by reallocating a valuable backup into a team that needs immediate help under center.

From San Francisco’s perspective, transforming a backup into a third-round pick plus a potential second-rounder would be enormously appealing. The 49ers have consistently operated as a team that builds through depth and draft capital, routinely leveraging compensatory picks and mid-round selections to reshape their roster. Losing Jones would thin their quarterback room, but the upside may justify the sacrifice.

The second trade scenario revolves around the Pittsburgh Steelers and edge rusher Nick Herbig—a player whose analytical profile jumps off the page. Ballentine’s proposal includes Herbig plus a late-round pick, though many observers believe Herbig alone could warrant the trade without additional compensation.

Herbig, despite being the third edge rusher in Pittsburgh behind stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, delivered a breakout 2025 season. His numbers paint the picture of a quietly explosive young defender. He produced 48 pressures, 7.5 sacks and an astonishing 22.4 percent pass rush win rate—a metric that outperformed even his All-Pro teammates. Watt posted a 15.1 percent win rate last year; Highsmith recorded 15.3 percent. Herbig’s efficiency is what teams dream of from rotational edge players entering their prime.

Adding Herbig into San Francisco’s defensive front would immediately address a looming need. The 49ers have long relied on a deep, relentless defensive line to fuel their system. But with aging veterans, rising salaries and the natural turnover of a competitive roster, the team needs a young, cost-controlled edge rusher capable of generating consistent backfield disruption. Herbig fits that description perfectly.

His slightly undersized frame would not be a deterrent in the 49ers’ scheme. In fact, he could complement larger-bodied defenders like Mykel Williams, creating a dynamic pass-rush pairing for defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. The 49ers thrive when they deploy waves of defenders who can generate pressure from multiple angles. Herbig’s motor, technique and efficiency align almost too well with the kind of player they usually target.

The addition of a late-round pick is merely a bonus. The real value lies in securing a young edge defender whose best football may still be ahead of him. For a franchise that has built its identity on defensive dominance, Herbig could become a long-term building block in an area where depth frequently determines postseason success.

Both hypothetical trade offers highlight an important reality for San Francisco: if the 49ers truly expect to be “blown away,” these are precisely the categories of returns that fit the definition. On one hand, a potential second-round pick reshapes their draft flexibility. On the other, a productive, ascending pass rusher immediately strengthens the roster for another Super Bowl push.

The challenge, however, lies in balancing value with necessity. The 49ers understand the importance of quarterback insurance. Brock Purdy has been durable and dependable, but the league has countless examples proving how quickly a team’s season can collapse without a capable No. 2 option. Jones provides stability that few backups in the league can match, and the coaching staff trusts him to execute the offense if called upon.

Yet, the 49ers also know the value of opportunity cost. If the Vikings offer becomes reality and escalates into a second-rounder, that pick could turn into a future starter—or serve as ammunition in a trade to acquire impact talent down the line. If the Steelers package becomes available, Herbig could give San Francisco a long-term defensive weapon who fits perfectly into their culture and scheme.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on timing, roster balance and realistic pathways to improvement. As of now, anything short of these two scenarios likely keeps Jones in a 49ers uniform. He remains one of the NFL’s most valuable backups, and the organization will not part with him unless the return is undeniable.

But if Minnesota or Pittsburgh picks up the phone with these kinds of offers, the 49ers will have no choice but to think long and hard—because both proposals check every box of what it means to be “blown away.”