49ers Slam the Brakes on Vikings QB Option
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones has been a popular trade theory target for Minnesota Vikings fans, with the 2026 offseason about 2.5 weeks old. There’s one problem, though. It doesn’t sound like the 49ers’ brass has any intention of trading Jones.
Minnesota can call, but the 49ers’ posture suggests Jones won’t be an easy trade option.
49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters on Wednesday, and neither man spoke as if a Jones trade would be on the market.
San Francisco Signals a Firm Stance on Any Mac Jones Trade
Jones might already be crossed off the Vikings’ would-be quarterback list.
Lynch Would Be Surprised if Jones Isn’t a 49er in 2026
San Francisco lost in the postseason last week — a beatdown by the rival Seattle Seahawks, led by former Vikings passer Sam Darnold — so it was time to start the offseason and talk to the media about plans for the team’s direction.
Shanahan was asked about Jones and replied, “You always listen to people with 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.”
And Lynch said, “You always listen, but I know we’re a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster. Mac made this place better. He was outstanding this season. He picked us up in a huge way. When we needed him … he went in there and won us a lot of football games, and he kept us in this thing.”
“He brings an energy to this team that’s really cool. And he’s good for Brock. That quarterback room is very stimulating.”
That’s code for, “We’d have to be blown away by your offer, so send your 1st- or 2nd-Rounders, please.”
Supreme QB2 Performance in 2025
Under Jones in 2025, San Francisco went 5–3, a record that will register with quarterback-needy front offices if the 49ers decide to explore a trade. Across eight starts, Jones logged 2,151 passing yards, completed 69.6 percent of his throws, and posted a 13-to-6 touchdown-to-interception line.
The efficiency cannot be ignored. Jones ranked ninth league-wide in EPA+CPOE, sitting ahead of Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert.
Have a look at his numbers this season, scaled to 17 games:
— 4,570 Passing Yards
— 28 Passing TDs
— 13 INTs
— 9 Fumbles
— 69.6% Completion
Those are magnificent numbers, indicating a player who deserves a QB1 gig.
NBC Sports‘ Angela Martin on Jones: “There’s no doubt that some QB-needy teams around the league could show trade interest this offseason in Jones, who signed a two-year contract with San Francisco last March.”
“But the way coach Kyle Shanahan sees it, the 49ers benefit greatly from the former first-round draft pick’s presence and aren’t keen on letting him go.”
Realistically, about a half dozen NFL teams could poke around the Jones trade sweepstakes this offseason.
“The 27-year-old was a leader both on the field and in the locker room, Lynch noted, and was someone who made everyone around him better while he himself grew as a signal-caller during his time in the Bay,” Martin continued.
“Whether he’s with the 49ers next season or another team, Jones certainly has proven he is ready for whatever role he holds. Lynch and Shanahan just hope it all works out where their very capable backup remains in Santa Clara — unless the price is right.”
Brock Purdy’s Injury Woes
The 49ers’ QB1, Brock Purdy, has endured about seven injuries in four seasons, notably missing eight games this year with turf toe. He also exited the 2022 NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles with a torn UCL.
He’s not a certified “injury-prone” quarterback, but he’s not Iron Man either. And for a team that was deprived of a Super Bowl trip in 2022 because it had to play Josh Johnson — who also got hurt in the same game — and Christian McCaffrey at quarterback in the 2022 NFC Title Game, it is in no rush to get rid of Jones. Lynch and Shanahan learned their lesson.
That’s why it may be difficult to pull Jones away from San Francisco unless a Godfather offer does the trick.
Jones Wants to Start at Some Point
There are also Jones’ words. He said to media members this week, “I’m on a two-year deal, but I believe I’m a starter in this league, and I’m excited to continue to get better this offseason and see what happens.”
“In a way, I had two good seasons in one. I had a season as a starter, kind of, and a season as a backup. It was just so fun to get, like they say, the train back on the tracks. That’s what I wanted to do. I put a lot of good film out there.”
Saying “I’m a starter in this league” is Jones’ catalyst to change. He may play out his contract in San Francisco, but before too long, some team will tap him on the shoulder, hoping to see if he can forge a path like Baker Mayfield in 2023 and Sam Darnold in 2024.
Just don’t get your heart set on Jones in the 2026 offseason. He may not be for sale.
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