San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is coming into the 2026 season precisely where he started it, as Brock Purdy’s backup, after the organization chose not to trade him this offseason, Yankee Scores reports.
Jones, who replaced an ailing Purdy and went 5-3 as a starter in eight games, had a solid 2025 campaign that fueled speculation. Jones’ official numbers with San Francisco last season: 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 69.6 completion rate and a 97.4 passer rating.
Year 1 with Mac 🔟 pic.twitter.com/ZV4NlwbkJX
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 14, 2026
That kind of output from a backup on a cheap deal makes him a no-brainer trade chip on the paper.
The 49ers, instead, doubled down. Jones agreed to a reworked deal in late May that will pay him $3.55 million in 2026 plus an extra $2.25 million in incentives before hitting free agency following March.
San Francisco didn’t take a quarterback with any of its eight picks this spring, a clear sign the front staff wants Jones in the building.
And Jones is still on ESPN Dan Graziano’s list of names to watch leading up to the November trade deadline, as Graziano noted that Jones may be of interest to a contender dealing with a catastrophic QB injury.
Mac Jones is a vibe 😅💀 pic.twitter.com/r83TDMBSwo
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) June 16, 2026
Graziano also said that the 49ers have told other clubs this offseason that they love Jones and are not trying to move him and with Purdy healthy heading into camp, there is no rush to cash in.
That might change if the results don’t. League insiders feel Jones might become disposable by the deadline if San Francisco struggles to keep up with Seattle and the Rams in the NFC West, and one Bleacher Report scenario even proposed a deadline deal sending him to Carolina if Bryce Young falters.
But for now, Jones’ role is simple: keep ready, push Purdy in practice, and let the season decide if San Francisco’s QB insurance policy gets paid in.
