Steelers, Dolphins and Jets get bad news from latest 49ers trade rumor

Quarterback-needy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets will have their eyes on the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.

That's because San Francisco has a potential trade candidate in quarterback Mac Jones, who managed to revive his career with the 49ers in 2025 after seeing significant playing time while Brock Purdy dealt with injury.

While Jones is likely to garner trade interest this offseason, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the expectation is San Francisco will hold on to the veteran quarterback.

"For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder," she reported. "Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026. Jones’ 5-3 record as a starter amid the team’s major injury struggles helped keep San Francisco afloat, and Kyle Shanahan loves what he has in the 27-year-old."

This isn't the first piece of evidence showing the Niners won't trade Jones.

The other piece came directly from head coach Kyle Shanahan, who said he envisions Jones still being on the team next season.

"Awesome conversations with [Mac Jones], just like I did with a number of players," Shanahan said to reporters last month. "As any player on our team, including myself and John, you always listen to people and trade offers, but we're also not into getting rid of good players. So, I'd be very surprised if Mac wasn't around us next year."

But Jones has made it quite clear he wants to be a starter, an opportunity he won't get in San Francisco with Purdy cemented as the team's franchise quarterback.

"Honestly, it's a business. You know how this goes," Jones said. "I've proven I can be a starter. I've proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever. I know how to do it, but it's also a business. I understand both sides of it."

While it's understandable why the Niners want to keep around a strong insurance policy for Purdy, trading Jones to a team that gives him a chance to start would be doing right by the former first-round pick.

And Jones' value may never be higher than it is now. San Fran should definitely cash in on that if the right deal comes along.

Ultimately, if a team that's a good fit for Jones comes calling and makes a strong offer, we do believe the Niners will take it.

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