Mac Jones Likely Staying Put as 49ers’ Backup

What They're Saying

Kyle Shanahan: "I'd be real surprised if he's not [a Niner]," Shanahan said. "It also really surprised me that no one came and offered something like today, but the fact that no one did doesn't make me think someone's going to do something tomorrow."

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Jones was rumored to be on the trade block this offseason. A report by NBC Bay Area said that multiple teams had reached out to inquire about Jones, but that Lynch’s asking price -- reportedly up to a second-round pick-- was “astronomical”.

Jones played well in relief of Purdy last season, averaging 268.9 passing yards per game with 13 TDs and 6 INTs.

GM John Lynch was active on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading down twice and adding extra third- (No. 90) and fifth-round (No. 179) picks. Despite the movement, the 49ers never came close to dealing Jones.

The 49ers will open Day Two of the draft with the No. 33 pick they received from the Jets. Lynch remains “open for business,” but Shanahan indicated that “[Jones’trade] value’s already passed anyway.”

Jones showed he can command a complex offense last season, posting a 62.9 QBR that ranked ninth among NFL QBs. Still, he appears likely to remain in San Francisco.

Purdy ranked second in the NFL with a 72.8 QBR but missed eight games last season due to a turf toe injury. He also missed three games in 2024 with shoulder and elbow issues.

Jones, 27, has one year left on his two-year, $7 million deal. If he plays it out in San Francisco, he should draw strong interest on the open market next offseason.

For now, Jones looks poised to be a high-caliber insurance policy for San Francisco. That keeps him off the redraft radar, but Jones has nominal value as a QB3 stash in superflex leagues. 

He checks in at QB32 in our 2026 redraft rankings, and as QB39 in dynasty formats.