As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches in just a couple of weeks, the quarterback market remains one of the most fascinating storylines of the offseason. While the draft class lacks elite depth at the position, teams searching for a proven, reliable signal-caller are increasingly eyeing established options on the trade market. One name generating buzz is Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers, whose solid performance as a backup in 2025 has teams wondering if the Niners might be willing to listen to offers.
The 49ers appear committed to keeping Jones as Brock Purdy’s backup for the upcoming season. General manager John Lynch made that stance clear in February, stating, “He’s really good for us, and we value that. And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider trading him. And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously there’s always something that would make you do it. But I think we’re a better team with him on it. And we just like having him around.” Lynch’s comments underscored the value of having a capable veteran ready to step in, especially given Purdy’s history of missing time due to injuries.
Jones proved his worth in 2025 when he filled in for an injured Purdy, delivering a passer rating of 97.4 across 11 games. He threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, showing efficiency and poise in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. That production has elevated his stock, particularly in a thin quarterback landscape where free-agent options like Malik Willis may not inspire full confidence as immediate starters.
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky highlighted this dynamic earlier in the offseason, noting the ripple effect from Sam Darnold’s success after his time as a 49ers backup. “There’s going to be so many places that are going to want a starting-caliber quarterback,” Orlovsky said. “We know the draft isn’t deep. I think the No. 1 free agent is more than likely Malik Willis. If you’re the 49ers and you have these teams calling you, are you going to maybe get a second-round pick for Mac, a third-round pick? I have no idea, but I’m not going to be shocked by it.”
One intriguing trade scenario comes from SI.com’s Donnie Druin, who floated the Arizona Cardinals as a potential suitor. In his March 26 analysis, Druin proposed the Cardinals sending a 2026 fourth-round pick that could escalate to higher rounds based on performance incentives. The fit makes sense on paper: Arizona moved on from Kyler Murray this offseason and currently sits with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, plus potential draft additions like Ty Simpson. Jones would bring starting experience and familiarity with concepts similar to those in Mike LaFleur’s projected offensive scheme for the Cardinals.
However, Druin himself acknowledged a major hurdle: “We’ve covered this trade extensively and how it would make so much sense for the Cardinals, though a trade within the NFC West simply wouldn’t happen.” Divisional rivals rarely swap meaningful players, and the Cardinals would likely need to offer an “eye-opening” price to overcome San Francisco’s reluctance.
Despite the speculation, the 49ers have consistently signaled they have no plans to move Jones unless the offer is truly exceptional. His low cap hit for 2026 makes him an affordable, high-upside insurance policy. At the same time, the success of former backups like Darnold has shown how quickly a quarterback’s value can surge in the right situation—something that could embolden the Niners to hold firm or demand a premium return.
As draft week nears, expect more teams to test San Francisco’s resolve. Whether it’s the Cardinals or another club desperate for a bridge quarterback or long-term option, Mac Jones represents a known commodity in a market short on sure things. The 49ers may ultimately keep their quarterback depth intact, but if the right package arrives, the NFL landscape could shift in a hurry.
For now, Jones remains a valued piece in San Francisco, but the intrigue surrounding his potential availability serves as a reminder: in the ever-fluid world of NFL roster building, even reliable backups can spark serious trade conversations.
