San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones during an NFL game.
The San Francisco 49ers arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week with several conversations to have. John Lynch worked through all of it on Tuesday when he addressed the media.
One of those conversations was about Mac Jones. Lynch did not shut it down. What he did was make the 49ers’ position clear in a way that any quarterback-needy team needed to hear.
The message was simple.
Lynch’s Quote on Mac Jones
The 49ers have said all offseason that they want Jones back in 2026. Kyle Shanahan said it a month ago. Lynch’s comments did not signal a change in that position.
“He’s really good for us and we value that,” Lynch said. “And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider trading him. And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously there’s always something that would make you do it. But I think we’re a better team with him on it. And we just like having him around. As we saw this year, your franchise guy goes down, and it’s nice to have someone like that.”
Jones stepped in when Brock Purdy missed time in 2025 and did not just hold things together. He performed. Eight starts, 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a career-best 69.6 percent completion rate. Lynch watched all of it. That is why the asking price is real.
Lynch noted that the real conversations tend to start once workouts get underway and executives begin moving between suites. Nothing had happened yet as of Tuesday. He expects that to change.
OurSF49ers
#49ers GM John Lynch provided an update on QB Mac Jones at the combine:
“Somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider (trading him).”
H/T @nwagoner
What Jones Is Worth on the Open Market
Jones is under contract through 2026 at a cap number of just $3 million. For any team in the market for quarterback help, that number alone makes a call worthwhile. The financial flexibility it provides is significant. A team could bring in Jones and still be aggressive in free agency without feeling the cap pressure that typically comes with addressing the position.
Jones has made no secret of what he believes about himself. He thinks he is a starter in this league. What he showed in San Francisco last season made that case difficult to argue against.
Day 2 draft capital is likely the starting point. The 49ers are a team that can find value on Day 2 and use it to add contributors. A pick or two that San Francisco can deploy in April makes the conversation worth having for both sides.
San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones
GettySan Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones
What Else Lynch Said at the 49ers’ Combine Presser
Jones was not the only name Lynch addressed on Tuesday. Brandon Aiyuk came up, with Lynch confirming the team is in no hurry to make a decision on the receiver before the new league year begins on March 11. There is a chance someone makes an offer worth entertaining between now and then. Lynch is keeping that possibility open.
Jauan Jennings is another priority. The wideout has been San Francisco’s most reliable receiver over the past couple seasons and Lynch made clear the team wants him back. His market will become clearer in the coming weeks. The 49ers will be watching closely.
Several defensive linemen are working their way back from injuries suffered during the 2025 campaign. Lynch was encouraged by the progress of Nick Bosa and Alfred Collins, both of whom are on track for training camp. Mykel Williams is slightly behind that timeline but Lynch expects him available once the regular season arrives.
OurSF49ers
#49ers GM John Lynch noted that the team could possibly trade Brandon Aiyuk if they can find a trade partner before the new league year 👀
Via: @VicTafur
Final Word for the 49ers
Lynch was measured on Tuesday. Careful with his words in the way experienced general managers tend to be at the Combine. But the substance was clear enough.
Mac Jones has genuine value and San Francisco knows it. A career-best season as a starter, a bargain cap number and a quarterback who believes in himself. That combination will attract calls. Lynch has already decided what those calls need to sound like before he picks up.
The 49ers would prefer to keep him. Whether someone meets the price will be one of the more interesting storylines between now and the draft.