49ers Not Shopping Mac Jones as Trade Deadline Approaches
The San Francisco 49ers have no current interest in trading backup quarterback Mac Jones, according to general manager John Lynch, who is standing behind his team's quarterback depth despite interest from other clubs. The news comes as the NFL trade deadline looms on November 10, with several teams reportedly in need of quarterback help.
Jones, 28, has not thrown a pass this season after serving as Brock Purdy's primary backup in 2025, when he started 11 games in place of the injured Purdy and completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His solid performance revived his career after a rocky start with the New England Patriots, who selected him 15th overall in 2021.
Despite speculation that Jones could be moved, multiple sources indicate the 49ers are content to keep him as insurance behind Purdy, who has led San Francisco to a 6-0 start and is an early MVP candidate. The Athletic's recent big board of trade candidates listed Jones as a potential target for the Philadelphia Eagles, but noted that a deal is unlikely given the 49ers' contender status.
Limited Market for Jones
According to Niners Noise, a lack of trade chatter around Jones suggests the market for his services never materialized. Several quarterback-needy teams—including the Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins—are either headed toward a top-10 draft pick or facing coaching changes, making a trade for a backup quarterback less appealing. The only scenario that could spark a market is if a playoff-caliber team loses its starter to a serious injury.
The Eagles were recently linked to Jones after Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the season due to blood clot issues, but with Philadelphia sitting at 2-5, the team is more likely to retool than push for a quick fix. Similarly, the Minnesota Vikings were advised by The Athletic's Ted Nguyen to inquire about Jones, but that suggestion was framed as a long shot.
Context: Why Jones Trade Rumors Persist
Jones has been the subject of trade rumors since last offseason, when speculation swirled that the 49ers might flip him for draft capital after his impressive fill-in performance. However, no deal materialized, and the 49ers have since benefitted from having a capable backup behind the oft-injured Purdy. Jones is in the final year of a two-year deal he signed with San Francisco, making him a free agent after the season.
49ers' Quarterback Depth a Luxury
San Francisco's decision to keep Jones is a testament to the team's Super Bowl aspirations. With Purdy playing at an MVP level, the 49ers are focused on winning now, and having a quarterback who can step in and keep the offense afloat is a valuable asset. The team also signed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this season, but he was released after Jones returned from injury, further indicating Jones' standing within the organization.
Perspective: Deadline Decisions and Ripple Effects
The Mac Jones situation reflects a broader trend across the NFL: teams with championship aspirations are reluctant to trade away quality depth, especially at quarterback. While quarterback-needy teams may covet Jones, the 49ers' asking price—likely a mid-round pick—may not be enough to pry him away from a team that views him as essential insurance.
As the deadline approaches, expect Jones' name to continue circulating in rumors, but all signs point to him remaining in San Francisco for the rest of the season. For a team with Super Bowl hopes, that stability under center could prove invaluable.
For more NFL trade rumors, see our coverage of Saquon Barkley's potential reunion with the Giants and the 49ers' injury updates.
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