Mac Jones Named Trade Option for AFC Squad After QB Injury

Mac Jones has experienced a rollercoaster of an NFL career, and now, in his first season with the San Francisco 49ers, trade speculation is already swirling.

After being dealt by the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 and later signing a two-year deal with the 49ers, Jones finds himself settled firmly behind Brock Purdy on the Niners’ depth chart.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks another trade should be in Jones’s future despite San Francisco’s lack of potential backups behind him.

“With only Tanner Mordecai and seventh-round rookie Kurtis Rourke on the depth chart behind Purdy and Jones, the 49ers won’t be eager to move their top understudy,” Knox wrote on July 26.

“However, a strong offer might get a deal done. Why would a team trade for a backup who hasn’t been a high-level starter over the past few seasons? Well, Jones will only turn 27 in September, was a rookie Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots and still has the upside of a future starter. Spending the offseason in Kyle Shanahan’s QB-friendly system certainly won’t hurt.”


New York Jets, L.A. Rams Named Top Trade Partners for 49ers QB Mac Jones

Mac Jones

GettyMac Jones could be an intriguing trade option for the L.A. Rams, among others.

“Teams that run a similar offense and/or need a quarterback of the future would make the most sense for Jones. The Jets could have interest in Jones since they don’t have a long-term QB plan in place—aside from their flier on Justin Fields, who is currently injured,” Knox noted.

Fields just suffered a minor toe injury, but the Jets are paying him $30 million guaranteed. Barring a more significant injury, this seems like a big reach.

“The Los Angeles Rams don’t have a successor to Matthew Stafford in place, and Jones could be a strong candidate for that role. He doesn’t possess Stafford’s raw arm strength, but when at his best, Jones has shown impressive accuracy and timing. Those traits would mesh with a Sean McVay spacing-based offense that is quite similar to Shanahan’s conceptually.”

Jones had his best NFL season as a rookie, throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. He took the Pats to the playoffs that year, also earning a Pro Bowl nod — making him the first Patriots rookie QB to ever earn Pro Bowl recognition.

In 2022 and 2023, it didn’t go as smoothly. With transitions in offensive leadership—including play-callers Matt Patricia and Bill O’Brien—he struggled with efficiency and command, culminating in a combined 4–21 record over those two seasons as the starter. The Patriots declined his 2025 fifth-year option, and he was traded to the Jags in March 2024 for a sixth-round pick.

That season, he played in 10 games with seven starts, throwing for 1,672 yards, eight TDs and eight interceptions, finishing with an 80.5 passer rating and a 2–5 record as a starter.


Jones Would Undoubtedly Still Love the Opportunity to Start

With Purdy under a fully-guaranteed five‑year, $265 million contract, there’s no path to a starting job for Jones barring significant injury. While the 49ers value stability at the position, Jones could be expendable—especially if another team in need of a QB might offer an enticing return.

Even with reduced market value, Jones has a modest contract and definite upside—the Rams in particular make absolute sense. Stafford has been out of training camp dealing with back soreness, and considering his age (he’s 37), he’s clearly not the future of the franchise for much longer. Jones could have a path to start there if he plays well.

Still, the likelihood of a trade remains slim unless injuries strike elsewhere around the league. But with quarterback depth always in demand, Jones’s name is one to watch as the 2025 season progresses.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

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