The San Francisco 49ers will not trade backup quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, securing their $3.07 million insurance policy despite interest from quarterback-needy teams across the NFL. Jones went 5–3 as a starter in 2025, posted a 62.9 Total QBR that ranked ninth league-wide, and threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. The only affordable, proven veteran option remains off-limits as teams navigate one of the thinnest quarterback markets in years. Here’s what is happening with Jones and the 49ers.
What the 49ers Just Decided
San Francisco plans to keep Mac Jones as Brock Purdy’s backup. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said, “As any player on our team, including myself and John, you always listen to people and trade offers. But we’re also not into getting rid of good players. So I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.” General manager John Lynch added that Jones “made this place better” and was “outstanding this season.” His financial terms reinforce why he is untouchable.
The $3.07 Million Cap Hit That Changes Everything
Jones has a 2026 salary-cap number of $3.07 million, the final year of his two-year deal, according to ESPN. With the NFL’s 2026 salary cap projected between $301.2 million and $305.7 million per team, Jones occupies roughly 1% of San Francisco’s total spending, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Top quarterbacks routinely consume 10–15% of the cap. Jones combines high performance with minimal cost. This extreme efficiency makes the 49ers view him as indispensable while his play history confirms the value.
Jones Went 5–3 and Kept a Contender Afloat
Mac Jones started 8 games in 2025 while Brock Purdy was injured, posting a 5–3 record and maintaining San Francisco’s playoff position. He completed 69.6% of passes, threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and averaged 268.9 passing yards per start. His 62.9 Total QBR ranked ninth league-wide. Jones said, “I’ve proven I can be a starter… I can go out there and win games for whoever,” leaving multiple teams without an option at quarterback.
The Five Teams That Can’t Get Him
Minnesota, Las Vegas, New York, Pittsburgh, and Miami enter 2026 with unsettled quarterback situations. J.J. McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 starts. Justin Fields produced 1,259 passing yards, 7 TDs, and 1 INT in 9 games. Tua Tagovailoa posted 2,660 yards, 20 TDs, and 15 INTs in 14 games. Each franchise could benefit from an affordable, proven starter. Schefter reports Jones is unavailable, forcing these teams to face one of the most constrained quarterback markets in years.
The 2026 Quarterback Market Is Historically Weak
The 2026 draft class is thin at quarterback. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the only blue-chip prospect. Veteran alternatives carry financial risk. Tua Tagovailoa’s $212 million extension and Kyler Murray’s massive guarantees highlight the challenges of high-dollar quarterback bets. Jones’ combination of affordability and proven production makes him a rare asset. Teams searching for starters must contend with limited draft upside and expensive veteran options. The financial contrast explains why San Francisco will not trade him.
$3.07 Million vs. $40 Million and Up
Jones’ $3.07 million cap hit is roughly one-tenth the annual cost of top-tier starters such as Tua Tagovailoa’s $212 million deal and far below Kyler Murray’s salary, according to Cardinals cap reports on February, 07. With the 2026 salary cap climbing over $20 million from 2025, teams face rising costs for quarterbacks. A starter-quality player at Jones’ price allows San Francisco to strengthen the offensive line, pass rush, and skill positions. Teams without affordable veterans encounter difficult choices. Jones’ career trajectory highlights how much value he represents to the 49ers.
From “Worst QB Class Ever” to Coveted Trade Chip
Mac Jones was drafted 15th overall by New England in 2021, the first first-round quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. He was the fifth quarterback taken in a class considered one of the weakest in memory, behind Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields. Jones signed a $15.6 million fully guaranteed rookie deal and later joined Jacksonville and San Francisco. He may be the only player from that class starting for a legitimate contender in 2026. Shanahan’s system maximized his potential.
Why the 49ers Won’t Sell at the Peak
General manager John Lynch explained: “Mac made this place better. He was outstanding this season. He picked us up in a huge way and it was a really fun process to watch him come in and the joy that he was playing with.” Brock Purdy’s absence showed the impact of a competent backup. Jones’ 5–3 record preserved playoff chances and validated the value of a ninth-in-QBR passer at 1% of the cap. Quarterback-desperate teams now face difficult choices and must spend more for similar production.
What Happens Next for QB-Needy Teams
With Jones off the market, Minnesota, Las Vegas, New York, Pittsburgh, and Miami must pursue expensive, riskier options in free agency or the draft. Teams that miss a low-cost veteran like Jones may face trades for Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa, or draft bets on Fernando Mendoza in a shallow class. San Francisco enters 2026 with starter-level insurance at a fraction of the market cost. The quarterback once doubted is now untouchable, forcing competitors to pay far more for far less.
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Sources:
49ers not planning to trade QB Mac Jones this offseason. ESPN, February, 08 2026.
Niners backup QB Mac Jones embraces trade talk, wants to ‘be a starter’ again in NFL like Sam Darnold. NFL.com, February, 05 2026.
NFL salary cap projected at $301.2 million to $305.7 million per team for 2026 season. NFL.com, January, 30 2026.
Report: NFL salary cap rising to as much as $305.7M in 2026. Reuters, January, 30 2026.
Mac Jones trade destinations: These 5 QB‑needy teams should take a chance. FanSided via MSN, February, 2026.
