The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly placed significant value on quarterback Mac Jones, but his status could change depending on the performance of other players in their camp.
According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the team may provide Kurtis Rourke a notable number of reps during training camp to evaluate whether he can serve as the primary backup. Branch indicated that San Francisco could be open to moving Jones should Rourke display substantial progress.
Branch stated, “The 49ers were willing to trade QB Mac Jones before the draft, but no team met their reportedly steep asking price. If an injury to a starter prompts a team to pony up, would the 49ers deal Jones at some point before the trade deadline on Nov. 3? They likely would if Rourke, like Purdy in 2022, resembles a seventh-round steal.”
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that while at the NFL Scouting Combine, the 49ers sought a “second-round pick plus more” in return for Jones.
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That level of value may seem high for a backup quarterback who has been part of three teams since 2023, but general managers could take chances if their franchises remain in the playoff chase.
Jones previously performed at a Pro Bowl level as a rookie and contributed to a 5-3 record for San Francisco last season. He recorded 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, numbers that demonstrate his ability to handle a starting role under favorable conditions.
The first of several potential destinations for Jones would be the Atlanta Falcons. The team has posted seven or eight wins annually between 2021 and 2025, remaining stuck around the .500 mark.
During training camp, Atlanta will feature a competition between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., both of whom have experienced durability issues. Penix completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes in four of nine starts last season, while Tagovailoa’s 2023 Pro Bowl performance—4,624 yards with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions—has not been replicated.
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If the Falcons remain near the same win total midway through the year, the article suggests that they could explore an offer for Jones. At a one-year, $1.4 million base salary, his contract would present an affordable cap figure for a team in a modest division.
The Carolina Panthers also received consideration in the report. The discussion noted that although skepticism exists about adding talent before pursuing the 2027 quarterback class, team owner David Tepper has historically leaned toward decisive actions.
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The Panthers could still value a potential postseason chase while weighing future draft options. The comparison noted that Jones produced a higher passer rating and QBR than Bryce Young the prior year.
Jones was coached by Kyle Shanahan in 2025 and also played effectively in the final four games of the 2024 season with Jacksonville, producing six touchdowns, three interceptions, and averaging 235 yards passing.
Another club listed as a possible fit was the Cleveland Browns, who currently have Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders competing for the starting position. Zac Jackson of The Athletic reported that neither quarterback has emerged as a clear leader.
The Browns are transitioning to a new offensive line and will rely on rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, creating an evolving offensive setup. A trade for Jones could give the roster stability while still preserving flexibility in future draft choices due to Cleveland’s pair of 2027 first-round picks.
Minnesota’s quarterback structure also drew attention. The Vikings brought in Kyler Murray on a deal covering the 2026 campaign, with ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noting him as the favorite over J.J. McCarthy. Even with a productive season, it was explained that Murray might not remain long-term.
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The idea presented was that Minnesota could acquire Jones, sign him after 2026, and control costs without committing large cap resources or trading up in a subsequent draft. Jones’s upcoming free agency would likely keep his future market price lower than quarterbacks posting comparable passing totals.
The final scenario involved the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Aaron Rodgers announced that 2026 would be his last season. Rodgers guided the team to the playoffs in 2025, and if he performs similarly, Pittsburgh could again win nine or 10 games. The team has not drafted inside the top 10 since 2019.
The Steelers could enter trade discussions with San Francisco for Jones as an eventual successor. Mason Rudolph’s contract status and third-round rookie Drew Allar’s readiness both factor into that evaluation.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported that the Steelers’ coaching staff is “uninstalling” Allar’s previous collegiate system, creating uncertainty about his short-term readiness. Acquiring Jones could allow him to learn from Rodgers before potentially stepping into a starting role in 2027.
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