A potential offseason trade proposal involving the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers has begun circulating in NFL circles, and it centers on a name that continues to generate intrigue across the league: Mac Jones.

While still speculative, the idea carries enough strategic logic to spark legitimate debate among analysts, front offices, and fans alike as both franchises evaluate their long term quarterback and roster trajectories.

According to a proposal highlighted by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, the Steelers would acquire quarterback Mac Jones, while the 49ers would receive edge rusher Nick Herbig along with Pittsburgh’s No. 215 overall selection in the sixth round of April’s NFL Draft.

On the surface, the deal appears balanced, but a deeper evaluation reveals layers of roster management, financial flexibility, and competitive timing that could make this more than just offseason chatter.

For Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation remains fluid. Aaron Rodgers’ future beyond the 2025 season has not been firmly established, and uncertainty at the most important position in football forces organizations to prepare contingency plans well in advance.

If Rodgers elects not to return for the 2026 campaign, the Steelers would suddenly face a leadership vacuum under center, and relying solely on the draft or unproven internal options could represent unnecessary risk.

Mac Jones, entering what should be the prime phase of his career, presents a different kind of solution. He is experienced enough to command an offense immediately, yet young enough to still possess developmental upside.

Jones demonstrated notable progress during the 2025 season while filling in for Brock Purdy in San Francisco. Across eight starts, he threw 13 touchdowns against six interceptions, completed 69.6 percent of his passes, and guided the 49ers to a 5-3 record.

Those numbers reflect more than efficiency. They signal improved decision making, pocket awareness, and command of pre snap reads, areas that once drew criticism during his latter tenure in New England.

In Kyle Shanahan’s offensive framework, Jones benefited from structured play design, motion concepts, and rhythm throws that aligned well with his strengths as a timing based passer.

The transformation did not go unnoticed across the league. Executives observed a quarterback who appeared calmer, more confident, and significantly more decisive in high leverage situations.

However, San Francisco remains firmly committed to Brock Purdy as its long term starter. Purdy’s emergence and sustained performance have solidified his standing within the organization and locker room.

That dynamic places Jones in a complex position. He is too valuable to be viewed merely as an ordinary backup, yet not positioned to overtake Purdy barring unforeseen circumstances.

General manager John Lynch must therefore evaluate asset optimization. Retaining a high value backup quarterback has insurance appeal, but converting that value into a defensive cornerstone may better serve long term roster balance.

Nick Herbig represents the defensive piece in this proposed exchange. The young edge rusher has flashed considerable potential despite operating behind established stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in Pittsburgh’s depth chart.

Herbig’s breakout moments have been marked by explosive first step quickness, strong leverage at the point of attack, and an ability to disrupt quarterbacks in limited but impactful snap counts.

Financially, Herbig’s approximate four million dollar cap figure is manageable for San Francisco, particularly given the premium placed on pass rush depth within its defensive identity.

The 49ers have long emphasized generating pressure with a four man front, allowing coverage schemes to remain flexible. Integrating a developing rusher like Herbig would reinforce that philosophy.

From Pittsburgh’s perspective, the cost of surrendering Herbig is mitigated by the presence of Watt and Highsmith, two elite edge defenders entrenched as foundational pieces.

Depth is valuable, but franchise quarterbacks are transformative. If the Steelers believe Jones can stabilize or elevate the offense, reallocating defensive surplus to address quarterback uncertainty becomes defensible.

Under head coach Mike McCarthy, Jones could find a system structured around play action, intermediate route combinations, and controlled tempo concepts that emphasize precision over improvisational chaos.

McCarthy’s historical preference for structured passing attacks may complement Jones’ strengths as a pocket passer who thrives on timing and anticipation rather than extended playmaking outside structure.

General manager Omar Khan has demonstrated a willingness to pursue calculated moves that position Pittsburgh for sustained competitiveness rather than short term gambles.

Acquiring Jones as a bridge starter, or potentially more, would provide optionality. It would allow the Steelers to remain competitive while evaluating future draft classes without desperation influencing decision making.

Additionally, the inclusion of the sixth round selection provides incremental draft capital for San Francisco, reinforcing its reputation as an organization that extracts value from every roster slot.

While a late round pick rarely headlines a deal, such selections often contribute to depth, special teams impact, or serve as trade currency in future negotiations.

San Francisco’s reluctance to move Jones stems from practical considerations. Injuries are an unavoidable reality in the NFL, and a proven backup can preserve championship aspirations during critical stretches.

Yet front offices must weigh probability against asset value. If Purdy remains healthy, Jones’ snaps become limited, potentially diminishing his trade market in subsequent seasons.

Conversely, trading him now, after a productive stretch that restored his league perception, could represent peak value extraction. Timing is often the decisive variable in such negotiations.

For Pittsburgh, the urgency level hinges heavily on Aaron Rodgers’ final decision. Should Rodgers retire or decline to return, the Steelers cannot afford stagnation at quarterback.

The 2026 draft class is not universally regarded as rich with plug and play quarterbacks ready to start immediately. That reality strengthens the appeal of a proven alternative.

Jones offers a known baseline of competence. His 2025 resurgence suggests he can operate within a disciplined system and manage games effectively while minimizing turnovers.

Critics may question whether Jones possesses elite ceiling potential, but teams often win with quarterbacks who execute efficiently within cohesive team structures rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.

Meanwhile, the 49ers would reinforce their defensive rotation with a hungry pass rusher eager for expanded opportunity, potentially unlocking a higher usage role than he currently enjoys in Pittsburgh.

The strategic symmetry is compelling. Pittsburgh addresses quarterback uncertainty, while San Francisco fortifies its defensive identity without compromising its starting signal caller.

Fan reaction has been predictably polarized. Steelers supporters debate whether Jones represents ambition or conservatism, while 49ers fans weigh security against strategic boldness.

Within league circles, however, the discussion centers less on emotion and more on roster architecture, cap management, and championship windows.

Trades of this magnitude rarely materialize without weeks of quiet dialogue between front offices, and public proposals often precede serious exploratory conversations.

Should negotiations intensify, additional assets could be introduced, altering the framework but preserving the central exchange concept.

Ultimately, this scenario underscores the volatility and intrigue of the NFL offseason, where one calculated move can reshape competitive hierarchies for years.

If consummated, the deal would not merely relocate Mac Jones. It would signal a philosophical shift for both franchises as they recalibrate toward their respective visions of sustained success.

As the offseason unfolds, the possibility lingers that Pittsburgh and San Francisco may find common ground, transforming a speculative proposal into a defining transaction of 2026.