So who are the most likely options to fill those eight places and what their expected cost will be for the 2026 season. If you think they are the right player, then cost isn't an issue, the trouble is nearly all of these players are short term fixes rather than long term answers.
Free Agents
Aaron Rodgers ($15m)
Daniel Jones ($30m)
Malik Willis ($20m)
Marcus Mariota ($12m)
Russell Wilson ($8m)
If teams aren't convinced by some of these names they could look to other free agents like Tyler Huntley etc who can be a bridge while they look to draft players like Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier or Drew Allar. Potentially is could be an experienced backup to pair with Michael Penix Jr. or JJ McCarthy.
Trade Candidates
Geno Smith ($26.5m, $18.5m guaranteed)
Kyler Murray ($42.5m, $36.8m guaranteed)
Tua Tagovailoa ($55m, $54m guaranteed)
With these three players you can likely to get their current team to eat some of the contract reducing the cost for the acquiring team.
People ask about Mac Jones being on the trade block, I think the 49ers would want to be blown away with a trade offer to do the deal and that needing something like a second round pick. He is only due to make $3.25m in 2026, which gives the 49ers a reliable backup if Purdy gets hurt, so they would need a strong offer to part ways. You have other names like Anthony Richardson but that is more of an backup quarterback addition rather than a starter teams need.