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By Robert Marvi
Contributing Sports Writer
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In some ways, the San Francisco 49ers had a relatively successful 2025 season, given how hard they were hit once again by the injury bug. But the reality is that they got destroyed in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs by the Seattle Seahawks, and that they will need to do a fortifying this offseason.
Arguably the biggest decision they need to make with one of their existing players is whether to keep or trade backup quarterback Mac Jones. When QB1 Brock Purdy missed time this season due to a toe injury, Jones filled in ably, and he not only put up numbers that he didn't even produce as a rookie, but he also led the Niners to five wins in his eight starts.
Ever since Jones started to perform well in relief of Purdy, there have been persistent trade rumors surrounding him. But head coach Kyle Shanahan feels that Jones will stay put for the 2026 campaign, via The Athletic.
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“You always listen to people with trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday when asked about the possibility of trading Jones. “So I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
Read more: Kurt Warner Shares Thoughts on 49ers Possibly Trading for Joe Burrow
General manager John Lynch seems to feel the same way.
“You always listen, but I know we’re a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster,” he added.
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These comments could always be nothing more than a smokescreen, especially considering that the momentary quarterback controversy that bubbled up once Jones had strung together multiple strong performances has now been settled. But in the modern NFL, it certainly helps to have a very capable QB2 such as Jones, especially given how often starting signal-callers have been going down with injuries.
Jones, who was the No. 15 pick in the 2021 draft, had a strong rookie season in which he made the Pro Bowl and led the rebuilding New England Patriots to the playoffs. But his production fell sharply over the next three seasons, which led many to consider him a flash in the pan.
But in his eight starts this season, he threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 69.6% of his pass attempts and posting a 97.4 passer rating. Some of his improvement is likely due to Shanahan's system, which had previously made Jimmy Garoppolo look like an adequate quarterback, but at the same time, Jones has shown that perhaps he still has some game.
Read more: George Pickens Receives New Prediction on Cowboys Future
The Niners have much more pressing issues than whether to keep Jones. Their defense could use a couple of reinforcements, especially on their front four, and they also need to decide whether they're content with their wide receiver room or they want to go after a true No. 1 wideout. Star tight end George Kittle is also expected to be out for at least most of 2026, which will increase their need for a bona fide star pass-catcher.
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