gridironheroics.com

“This Would Change A Lot” 49ers – Jets Named In Shocking Quarterback Trade (Report)

The San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets had very different seasons in 2025. Going into the final few weeks of the season, San Francisco was fighting for the first overall seed in the NFC. The New York Jets were in competition for the first overall draft pick (which went to Las Vegas).

However, because of that these two franchises could agree to a surprise quarterback trade.

Sep 20, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (left) talks with New York Jets head coach Adam Gase before their game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Return of the Mac: Mac Jones Trade Rumors Link 49ers Backup to Jets in Potential Blockbuster QB Swap

The San Francisco 49ers may have developed a gem in Mac Jones during the 2025 season, but the quarterback carousel could lead to a major trade this offseason. Jones, the former first-round pick (No. 15 overall in 2021), reminded the league he’s still capable of starting after stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy. He went 5-3 as the starter, completing 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions across 11 games (8 starts), posting a solid 97.4 passer rating.

Despite the strong performance and low cap hit (around $3.07M in 2026), the 49ers have publicly stated they plan to keep Jones as Purdy’s backup for 2026, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and other reports. However, as The Spun notes in their February 14, 2026, article “Predicting 4 Major Quarterback Trades For This NFL Offseason,” it “just takes one really sweet offer” to change their minds—especially with QB-needy teams circling.

Why the New York Jets Make Sense as a Trade Destination

The Jets top the list of desperate QB seekers after another turbulent season. The article highlights what New York could offer Jones:

A clear Week 1 starting job (no competition from a young or injured incumbent).

A true No. 1 wide receiver in Garrett Wilson, providing a reliable target.

A promising offensive line foundation with tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou (both high-upside young players).

This package could appeal to Jones, who has expressed a desire to “be a starter again” (comparing his situation to Sam Darnold’s revival elsewhere) and has said he’s “definitely motivated” by trade buzz. At 27, he’s young enough for a fresh start and has shown he thrives in a supportive system—something the Jets could provide under their current staff.

While the 49ers prefer the stability of the Purdy-Jones tandem (Jones has praised Kyle Shanahan’s scheme and said Shanahan wanted him in 2021), trade interest persists. Other rumored suitors include the Vikings, Dolphins, Raiders, and Steelers, but the Jets’ immediate need and assets make them a logical fit.

Broader QB Trade Predictions in the Article

Oct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The piece forecasts a wild QB market:

Kyler Murray to the Vikings (upgrading over J.J. McCarthy).

Tua Tagovailoa to the Cardinals (scheme fit under new OC Mike LaFleur).

Derek Carr (potentially unretired) to the Colts for a low pick.

A Jones move would add to the chaos, potentially fetching a mid-round pick (projections around a third-rounder) given his low cost and proven starter ability in 2025.

For now, no deal is imminent—trades can’t happen until the new league year (March 11, 2026)—and San Francisco holds the leverage. But if the Jets (or another team) dangles the right package, “Return of the Mac” could headline headlines this spring.