Mac Jones is suddenly one of the hottest backup quarterbacks on the trade market heading into the 2026 NFL season, and it’s all thanks to an absolutely wild comeback season last year. Forget the whispers, the man himself told Rich Eisen “anything’s possible” when asked about a move, and honestly, after what he put on tape, he’s not wrong.
The Playoff Push Nobody Saw Coming
Last year was supposed to be a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers. Brock Purdy went down with an extended injury, sidelining him for a huge chunk of the 2025 campaign’s first half. Who stepped up? Mac Jones, who had been cast aside by both the New England Patriots, who drafted him first round in 2021, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. But under Kyle Shanahan’s innovative system and tutelage, Jones finally showed what he could do. He completed an impressive 69.6 percent of his throws for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Niners to a stunning 5-3 record across his eight starts. That run kept them in contention and ultimately pushed them into the playoffs. It really showed that he still has the stuff to be a starter in this league, especially with the right coach maximizing his talent. Shanahan’s been doing that for nine years!
High Stakes, High Price for a Roller Coaster Ride
So, why are teams chomping at the bit for a guy who was tossed aside twice? That 5-3 record and playoff push is a massive reason, but there’s a catch. Jones started 46 games over his first four NFL seasons and, outside of a promising rookie year, never really found that consistent, quality performance. He’s 28 now, and some clubs are going to be leery, wondering if his success in San Francisco was just Shanahan magic. Still, when your starter goes down, desperate clubs will absolutely roll the dice. They’re betting that Jones can replicate that playoff-bound form away from the Bay Area. Expect the Niners to play hardball, too. They can absolutely afford to keep Jones as insurance if Purdy gets hurt again, meaning they’ll likely demand a high price for him.
The 2026 trade deadline is November 11. Injuries are coming, ineffectiveness will strike, and a new passer will be needed. Mac Jones has proven he can deliver in a pinch, and that’s going to make this a fascinating few months for quarterback-needy teams.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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