The 2026 quarterback market is stuffed with naked cabinets. The draft class is weaker than ever. Probably even weaker than the 2025 draft that produced two first-round quarterbacks. The free agent pool isn’t a lot better. Other than Malik Willis, the names aren’t interesting. That makes the commerce block a spot for groups to look. However the San Francisco 49ers, a minimum of publicly, aren’t seeking to promote QB Mac Jones.
After Jones’ robust 12 months in reduction of an oft-injured Brock Purdy, the 49ers need to maintain their expertise underneath heart.
“You at all times hearken to folks with commerce provides, however we’re additionally not into eliminating good gamers,” head coach Kyle Shanahan stated Wednesday throughout a year-end press convention through the crew’s YouTube channel. “And so I’d be very stunned if Mac wasn’t round us subsequent 12 months.”
Beneath contract via 2026, Jones is coming off his finest season since his rookie 12 months. A former first-round decide of the New England Patriots, Jones began eight video games instead of Purdy, who missed the center portion of the 12 months with nagging shoulder and toe accidents. Regardless of the 49ers being simply as depleted at vast receiver, Jones went 5-3 as a starter, throwing for 13 touchdowns and posting a career-best 6.7 ANY/A.
“I can’t say sufficient about Mac,” GM John Lynch stated throughout the identical presser. “Not solely his play, his management. I name it management. Do you make folks round you higher? And I believe Mac did that each one season. He’s been an excellent addition.”
Following a listing of names that features Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Daniel Jones, Mac Jones may very well be the subsequent former failed first rounder to search out his stride in a second act. That is perhaps engaging for a crew like Pittsburgh, particularly with its projected dozen draft picks. That features a trio of third rounders. May the Steelers deal considered one of them to the 49ers for Jones?
In entrance of reporters, the 49ers are seemingly saying no. However Shanahan is sensible for posturing and sustaining all of the leverage he can. There’s definitely worth in conserving Jones as a backup but when that’s all he’s and is about to grow to be a free agent in 2027, the 49ers might get a leap on getting good worth for him proper now. To not point out that if Jones is compelled to play in 2026 and flounders, his worth will tank.
After all, that’s the danger a crew like Pittsburgh would assume in a commerce. To accumulate Jones solely to look at him wrestle once more. Possibly he’s a product of Kyle Shanahan’s glorious system. Even when Jones performs nicely, the Steelers must pay via the nostril to maintain him be it an extension or cap-hogging franchise tag. A greater downside to have than the crew’s present predicament however a difficulty all the identical.
If 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak turns into the crew’s the subsequent head coach, hypothesis will ramp up much more. Proper now, nonetheless, he isn’t seen as a entrance runner.
If a commerce occurs, it ought to happen earlier than the NFL draft. That may enable San Francisco to instantly flip Jones right into a draft decide and assist one other space of its roster. Cross rusher is an excessive want. And it might enable Pittsburgh to get Jones into the constructing nicely earlier than OTAs start and the brand new offensive system is put in.
