The 49ers' Backup Plan: Keeping Mac Jones or Trading Him?
The San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that they have no intention of trading backup quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, despite recent speculation. ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed this, stating that the team plans to retain Jones as a backup to the starting quarterback, Brock Purdy. But why the insistence on keeping Jones?
The report comes as a response to earlier speculation that the 49ers might be trying to drive up the trade value of Jones. This strategy could be seen as a way to silence any rumors of Jones being traded to another team. However, it could also be interpreted as a message to potential suitors: if you want Jones, you'd better be willing to pay a high price.
Jones is under contract for the 2026 season with a modest base salary of $1.4 million. Trading for Jones would indicate that a team is either satisfied with him as a short-term solution or is prepared to commit to a multi-year deal. The 49ers, however, are in a strong position as they don't have to trade Jones, giving them the flexibility to set their own terms.
The team could potentially demand a second-round draft pick or something similar in exchange for Jones. As the offseason progresses and teams reassess their quarterback strategies, the 49ers' decision on Jones will be a key factor in shaping the trade landscape. Will they keep Jones as a backup, or will they trade him for a higher draft pick? The coming weeks will reveal more as the NFL season approaches.
