49ers Plan to Keep Mac Jones as Brock Purdy’s Backup Despite Trade Buzz

Santa Clara, CA — The San Francisco 49ers have no intention of parting with quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, choosing instead to retain him as Brock Purdy’s primary backup heading into the 2026 campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the team’s thinking.

Persistent chatter linking Jones to quarterback-needy franchises has circulated since the end of the 2025 season, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that San Francisco is “not looking to part with” the 27-year-old signal-caller. That stance echoes comments head coach Kyle Shanahan made after the team’s playoff exit, when he emphasized the value of stability behind center.

“I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year,” Shanahan said. “As with any player on our team, including myself and John [Lynch], you always listen to people with trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players.”

Jones signed a two-year contract with the 49ers in the spring of 2025, a move initially viewed as a low-risk flier that evolved into one of the organization’s most pivotal decisions. When Purdy missed six games with a turf-toe injury, Jones stepped in and guided the injury-riddled roster to a 5-3 record in eight starts. He averaged 269 passing yards per contest, tossed 13 touchdowns against six interceptions, and posted a 62.9 QBR that ranked in the league’s top half during his stretch under center.

General manager John Lynch praised Jones for both his on-field production and locker-room presence.

“Mac made this place better,” Lynch said. “He picked us up in a huge way. He’s got an infectious attitude that affected everybody on our team, especially that quarterback room. We’re a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster.”

The 49ers’ confidence in Jones is rooted in recent history. Purdy has missed time due to injury in three of his four seasons as the starter, and the franchise previously endured seasons derailed by inadequate depth at the position. Executives inside the building view a reliable No. 2 quarterback as essential rather than optional.

Still, the external market continues to monitor Jones’s availability. The Vikings, Falcons, and Cardinals—all searching for long-term answers under center—have been tied to Jones in speculative reports. Russini noted that while San Francisco isn’t shopping him, “things and offers can change,” leaving the door ajar for a blockbuster proposal.

One hypothetical contingency, floated by CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, involves a reunion between Shanahan and veteran Kirk Cousins. Cousins, currently with Atlanta, is expected to be attainable after the Falcons turned to Michael Penix Jr. late in 2025. Shanahan has long admired Cousins dating back to their Washington days, yet sources stress that scenario remains purely speculative and has not been discussed internally in any substantive way.

For the moment, the 49ers are comfortable with their depth chart. Jones has rebuilt his confidence in Shanahan’s system, showcased improved decision-making, and demonstrated he can pilot a playoff-caliber roster when called upon. Unless a rival club presents an overwhelming offer, all indications point to Jones remaining in red and gold when the team opens training camp this summer.