San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones has been linked with a series of trade rumors around the NFL. The former New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars signal caller revived his career under Kyle Shanahan, putting solid numbers in 11 games and even competing with Brock Purdy for the starting role.
While he couldn’t beat the former Mr. Irrelevant, Jones made a strong impression within and outside the franchise, so much so that his name was floated as a potential option for multiple quarterback-needy teams.
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However, according to Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Jones’ market has been quiet. The Minnesota Vikings, who are reportedly planning to move on from J.J. McCarthy, kept tabs on Jones. Other options, however, appear close for the 27-year-old.
“Everybody in the NFL seemingly expects Aaron Rodgers to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and top free agent Malik Willis to end up in Cleveland or Arizona. Mendoza is going first in the draft to the Raiders, and Ty Simpson apparently got a first-round promise from a team so he would forgo all the name, image and likeness money and a return to Alabama.”
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) looks to throw a pass during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
Additionally, the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons could give Jones an opportunity, but they have other quarterbacks on the radar. Minnesota reportedly considers Anthony Richardson, Kyler Murray and Geno Smith as options. The Cardinals could turn to Jimmy Garoppolo if they can’t sign Willis.
MORE: 49ers GM confirms stance on QB Mac Jones’ future in San Francisco
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Indianapolis Colts named potential landing spot for Mac Jones
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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
Back in December, with 44-year-old Philip Rivers replacing Daniel Jones on the Indianapolis Colts, NFL.com’s Nick Shook proposed a big offseason trade that would replace the former New York Giants star with Jones.
“Mac Jones filled a vital role for the 49ers in 2025, stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy and steadying a ship that initially seemed destined to meet a watery demise,” Shook wrote. “The former Patriots QB1 led the 49ers to thrilling (and important) divisional wins over the Rams and Cardinals and guided them to triumphs over the Falcons, Giants and Saints, proving himself at minimum to be a plus backup while playing well enough at times to suggest the 27-year-old might still have quality starting snaps in his future.”
It seems that some pieces might fall before the 49ers and Jones have a clearer picture of the future.
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