Mac Jones
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Quarterback Mac Jones doesn't sound as though he wants to be courted by the Pittsburgh Steelers or any other NFL team this offseason.
Things appear to be pointing toward veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. Nevertheless, the more quarterbacks available this offseason, the better it will be for the Steelers. On the list of signal-callers who could be an option for the team in 2026 is former first-round pick Mac Jones.
There’s one problem with that idea. During a Monday interview with NFL insiders, Jones didn’t sound like a quarterback wanting to be traded from the San Francisco 49ers.
“Kyle and I, we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft,” Jones told NFL Network. “Obviously, it went in different ways, but that’s what it’s all about — reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot.”
Jones led the 49ers to a 5-3 record while filling in for Brock Purdy this past season. In 11 appearances, Jones posted a 69.6% completion percentage with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also averaged 7.4 yards per pass.
But if Jones doesn’t request a trade, the 49ers might have little reason to move on from the former first-round quarterback.
Why the San Francisco 49ers Aren’t Likely to Trade QB Mac Jones
After a strong season as Purdy’s backup, it makes a lot of sense for quarterback-needy teams, such as the Steelers, to pursue acquiring Jones.
But Jones remains under contract in San Francisco. Not only that, he has a very affordable $3.98 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
That makes him a more valuable member of the 49ers roster than trade chip.
“Although he’d likely prefer an opportunity to start again, San Francisco has little reason to trade Jones, especially after he proved so valuable amid Purdy’s health challenges,” wrote NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “He’s remarkably affordable, fits quite well with Shanahan and likely isn’t worth moving unless an offer from a QB-needy team is too strong to pass up.”
Jones has posted a 25-32 career record. But he’s submitted a pair of winning seasons with at least eight starts.
As a rookie in 2021, Jones led the New England Patriots to a 10-7 record. He made the Pro Bowl that season.
The Patriots drafted Jones at No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ironically, the 49ers also selected a quarterback in that first round — Trey Lance at No. 3 overall.
In 63 NFL games, Jones has registered a 66.5% completion percentage with a 6.9 yards per pass average. He’s also thrown 67 touchdowns and 50 interceptions.
Why the Steelers Aren’t Likely to Trade for Jones
As Shook explained, NFL teams are probably going to have to overpay on the trade market to acquire Jones in 2026.
Based on recent history, the Steelers are unlikely to do that.
Each of the past two seasons, Pittsburgh has signed veteran quarterbacks arguably below market value. The Denver Broncos paid most of Russell Wilson’s 2024 salary. Last season, Aaron Rodgers’s contract contained a lot of incentives.
The Steelers opened their wallet — both in draft capital and money — for receiver DK Metcalf last year. But the Steelers have been going for short-term, cheaper options behind center recently.
Unless head coach Mike McCarthy really believes Jones is the answer, then the Steelers aren’t going to meet San Francisco’s project high trade demand for the quarterback.