The San Francisco 49ers are likely to make a decision on whether to trade quarterback Mac Jones by the end of the week, as general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan seek clarity ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period. While both have expressed confidence in keeping Jones as the backup to Brock Purdy, the team’s need for draft picks and roster flexibility has created pressure to resolve the situation before the legal tampering period begins on March 9. Jones, who stepped in for an injured Purdy in 2025 and led the 49ers to a 5-3 record, remains a key asset for the team. However, his role as a backup has not deterred speculation about a potential trade. NFL teams often move backups to secure draft capital or upgrade their quarterback depth, and the 49ers are no exception. With holes to fill across the roster, the 49ers may prioritize acquiring additional draft picks or addressing positional needs through a trade. Recent history shows that teams frequently finalize trades around the same time frame. For example, the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders on March 7, 2025, while the Patriots moved Mac Jones to the Jaguars on March 10, 2024. These deals typically occur before free agency begins, allowing teams to structure their rosters without interference from free agent signings. A trade this week would also give the 49ers time to evaluate whether to pursue a veteran quarterback like Zach Wilson or wait for the draft. If the 49ers decide to trade Jones, they could receive a second- or third-round draft pick, which might influence their approach to free agency. By moving Jones early, the team could avoid spending cap space on a veteran backup and instead focus on addressing other needs during the draft.#san_francisco_49ers #kyle_shanahan #mac_jones #john_lync #brock_purdy
