Mac Jones Trade Rumors Discussed By Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch Amid Questions About 49ers Future

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch discussed the likelihood of a trade involving backup quarterback Mac Jones.

"We're not into getting rid of good players," Shanahan said, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. "I'd be surprised if he's not here next year."

Lynch also praised Jones' leadership both in and out of the locker room.

"Mac made this place better and picked us up in a huge way ... Can't say enough about his play but also his leadership," Lynch said, per Inman.

Jones is signed through the 2026 season after agreeing to a two-year contract worth $8.4 million with San Francisco in March 2025.

It isn't hard to imagine opposing front offices showing interest in a trade for him, as he looked sharp when given extended playing time.

Jones started eight games during his 2025 campaign while Brock Purdy appeared in just two contests over the first 10 weeks of the season, managing a toe injury.

The former first-round pick shined when stepping into San Francisco's first-team offense, helping the 49ers finish with a record of 5-3 in his starts.

Jones completed 69.6 percent of his throws for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns compared to six interceptions.

He opened his career with the New England Patriots in 2021, showing promise as a rookie before struggling across his next two years under center. Jones was eventually traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round draft pick during the 2024 offseason.

The 27-year-old threw for 1,672 yards and eight touchdowns while getting picked off eight times during his lone year in Jacksonville before joining the 49ers.

Jones revealed that the opportunity to play under Shanahan was a key factor in his choice to sign with San Francisco and why he wouldn't mind remaining a backup in 2026.

"That's why I came here," Jones said, per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. "Knowing that I wanted to be around Kyle and such a great system, knowing that it was a good fit for me. That's part of it, and I think for me, the challenge this offseason and whatever happens, happens."

"Love the guys here and that would be fine," he added.

After Purdy played just eight regular-season contests in 2025, it's understandable that the 49ers want to keep one of the NFL's top reserve quarterbacks as they attempt to return to the playoffs next year.