The Mac Jones trade rumor mill in San Francisco is becoming hot, and this time the rumor is accompanied by a ticking dose of intrigue. That is only a few days after the 49ers barely won with their backup quarterback, when one of the veteran NFL reporters leaks a tidbit that has the potential to rattle the offseason.
As one of the few teams that is not stingy about using their resources and abilities, the 49ers might find themselves willing to sell their 26-year-old quarterback at a high price. Some specialists believe that a second-round pick is not far-fetched, and indeed, Mac Jones might get it.
Mac Jones Trade Buzz Gains Real Momentum
San Francisco 49ers Mac Jones
Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It all started on November 20, 2025, when 49ers insiderMatt Barrows let loose a bold prediction on X.com. He argued that San Francisco could fetch as much as a second-rounder if the market heats up for Jones’ services. It isn’t just speculation. Barrows based his take on precedent, noting the Raiders’ move for Geno Smith, which cost them a late third-round pick earlier this year. Geno, a savvy 34-year-old who revived his NFL stint, is hardly a hot commodity compared to the younger, playoff-tested Jones. That trade set the bar, and Jones’ steady play and affordable contract make him even more attractive to suitors.
Barrows explained his logic with a perfectly straightforward observation:
“I think the chances are good, especially since the 2026 rookie quarterback class might be a dud. As far as compensation, it’ll depend on whether there are multiple bidders. The Raiders sent a late third-round pick to Seattle earlier this year for Geno Smith, but it’s hard to think there were other teams clamoring for him. My guess is Jones could fetch a second-rounder,” saidMatt Barrows, X.com.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: 49ers reporter @mattbarrows speculates that the 49ers could fetch as high as a 2nd round pick in a trade for QB Mac Jones.
“I think the chances are good, especially since the 2026 rookie quarterback class might be a dud. As far as compensation, it'll depend on… pic.twitter.com/J8F6vUynI0
— JPA (@jasrifootball) November 20, 2025
The 49ers picked him up in March after the Jaguars cut him loose, giving the team another level of insurance behind starter Brock Purdy. Jones, still on his cheap rookie deal, has proven to be the league’s ultimate bargain.
The NFL’s trade market is always wild, but when a player delivers like Jones has and brings a friendly contract, GMs perk up. This year, the Geno Smith deal saw the Raiders hand Seattle a third-rounder for a much older veteran. With quarterback options running thin heading into 2026, it’s not hard to see a bidding war break out for Jones, elevating his price to a second-round pick exactly as the title suggests.
The trade buzz is real, and Jones’ stock has arguably never been higher. For the 49ers, flipping the 26-year-old backup for a second-rounder would be another masterclass in asset management. Stay tuned, the Mac Jones trade watch, powered by November 20 reporting and Barrows’ crystal ball, is officially on.