49ers’ biggest offseason question may already have an answer regarding a possible trade
The 49ers will be tempted to trade QB Mac Jones this offseason with many suitors, but it might not be a move they want to make.
The San Francisco 49ers are looking to hit the offseason with a plan to get back to the playoffs in 2026 after an embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
They’ll have plenty of questions to answer within the roster this offseason, and of course, the quarterback room will be a hot topic as always. Brock Purdy dealt with multiple injuries that forced him to miss several games, including a turf toe injury in September. Purdy only played in nine games this season, which allowed Mac Jones to shine, and he did.
Now, the 49ers have a decision to make regarding Jones’ future, which includes a trade to a quarterback-needy team this offseason.
The 49ers don’t want to trade QB Mac Jones this offseason, per reports
Jones’ value increased in 2025 after seeing him thrive under Kyle Shanahan while Purdy missed time with his injury. Teams around the league will be keeping tabs on Jones this offseason and will certainly check in on his availability with a lack of quarterbacks in free agency and the NFL Draft. The 49ers seem to be sending out an early signal of what they plan to do with Jones, and it’ll be hard to pry him away.
NFL insider Dianna Russini reports that the 49ers have no desire to trade Jones this offseason, which is smart after seeing how much they had to lean on him in 2025 to still make the playoffs.
Jones played in 11 games this season with almost the same number of passing attempts as Purdy, and threw for almost the same yards as well. He had seven fewer touchdowns than Purdy, but also threw four fewer interceptions. Multiple teams will want to trade for Jones this offseason, so the 49ers may have to change their mind if they get an offer too good to pass on.
NFL teams will have a higher demand than supply on quarterbacks this offseason
There’s only one sure first-round quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft this season in Fernando Mendoza, who is heavily favored to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, it’s good luck to the other teams. It’s a very weak free agency group as well, even if Kirk Cousins is released like he’s expected to.
Jones will be up there with Malik Willis as options for teams who need a starter, or just another true option in the quarterback room. The Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and even the Minnesota Vikings could call the 49ers to start a bidding war for a great offer.
If Purdy can stay healthy for all of the 2026 season, then it’s an easy call to make. Trade Jones for valuable draft capital for this draft or next, but Purdy hasn’t been able to stay healthy since getting his contract extension, so the 49ers may hold off.
San Francisco 49ers News
49ers investigating wild conspiracy theory that could be contributing to injuries
This is crazy to read.
