.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The San Francisco 49ers’ offseason has been centered around the drawn-out Brandon Aiyuk saga.
The former All-Pro wide receiver wants out of San Francisco following a significant lower-body injury and contract disagreements with the franchise. However, the 49ers have yet to trade or release him, forcing him to remain with the franchise for the time being.
Another intriguing offseason storyline surrounding the franchise is its quarterback situation. Of course, Brock Purdy is the 49ers’ clear-cut No. 1 signal caller, but the organization has a steady backup QB in Mac Jones.
The Alabama product isn’t a lock to start the upcoming season with the 49ers, though, as several teams could be interested in utilizing him as a secondary quarterback option with their respective franchises. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers are three teams that could trade for Jones this summer.
“Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are in a battle for the Cleveland Browns' starting job,” Moton wrote last Tuesday. “According to The Athletic's Zac Jackson, neither has taken the lead as the front-runner in the competition.
"If neither of the two impresses through training camp, the Browns can take an early swing at a potential upgrade in Jones. Minnesota can get ahead of the rising cost of the quarterback market by acquiring Jones and signing him to an extension after the 2026 term if Murray does enough to spike his 2027 market value."
“Aaron Rodgers told reporters this will be his last season. So, the Pittsburgh Steelers know they need a quarterback succession plan regardless of how the 2026 campaign pans out. The Steelers should be one of the more aggressive teams in pursuit of Jones.“
The Steelers are undoubtedly the team that could use Jones’ services the most. Mason Rudolph isn’t Pittsburgh’s long-term answer at QB, but could Will Howard or Drew Allar potentially pan out? Perhaps, but it’s not something the franchise should bank on once the post-Rodgers era officially begins.
Of course, Pittsburgh could hit the jackpot in what should be a talent-filled 2027 NFL Draft. That said, acquiring Jones would give the Steelers a reliable signal-caller who knows what it takes to be a successful NFL starter (he earned a Pro Bowl with the Patriots as a rookie).
At the very least, he would be a tremendous No. 2 QB option to have at their disposal going forward.
More NFL:
English (US)