49ers’ patience with a smart decision could deliver exactly what the roster needs in the future
Mac Jones is under contract for another season.
The San Francisco 49ers were smart with their backup quarterback situation. Not only were they able to sign Mac Jones to be a reliable piece behind Brock Purdy, but they agreed to a two-year contract — and that brings a lot of flexibility for the franchise moving forward.
In his mailbag, Sports Illustrated columnist Albert Breer mentioned that he sees the Minnesota Vikings as a perfect fit for Jones in 2026.
“Minnesota would be a fun idea,” Breer wrote. “The Vikings will bring in competition for J.J. McCarthy, but may have to do it on a budget. They’ve explored the reclamation project path that worked so well for them with Sam Darnold in 2024. Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray could be ideas, just not on their current contracts. Jones—who, like Darnold, would be coming from San Francisco—would make a good amount of sense.”
Now, Mac Jones isn’t a free agent. He’s slated to play for the 49ers under a very manageable $4.66 million contract in 2026, and the 49ers would have to be well-compensated to give up that asset.
The 49ers need real value to part ways with Mac Jones
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was clear on Wednesday. If someone wants to acquire Mac Jones from San Francisco, the compensation must be real.
“You always listen to people with trade offers,” Shanahan said. “We’re also not into getting rid of good players, so I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
How much would be good value is the biggest question. Nobody would give up a high-draft pick for a backup quarterback, even if it’s a cheap one in terms of salary.
The Kenny Pickett trade from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Cleveland Browns is a good parameter. The Browns gave up a fifth-round pick and third-string quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The 49ers could probably ask for a fourth-round pick, with a conditional to move to a third if Jones starts at least eight games in 2026, plus Vikings backup quarterback Max Brosmer.
With a move like that, San Francisco would have the potential to add real draft capital and a solid long-term piece in a roster that needs young talent. And while Jones had to start eight games in 2025 and was excellent for the most part, nobody can take the most out of quarterbacks better than Kyle Shanahan.
Nevertheless, after a strong season from Mac Jones in San Francisco, it’s a win-win scenario for the Niners. Option one, they keep a reliable and inexpensive quarterback behind Purdy. Option two, the team receives real draft capital to move him.
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