The San Francisco 49ers have put an end to the swirling speculation surrounding their quarterback situation. After a resilient 2025 season fraught with injuries, the team has decided to hold onto backup quarterback Mac Jones, opting to maintain their tandem with starter Brock Purdy heading into 2026.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Saturday, the 49ers are not actively seeking to trade the 2021 first-round pick. “For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder,” Russini shared. “Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026.”
This decision comes on the heels of a challenging yet successful campaign for the Niners, who finished with a 12-5 record and secured a playoff spot despite a barrage of injuries to key players. Star tight end George Kittle battled a hamstring issue before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in the wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive standouts Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and Fred Warner (fractured ankle) were sidelined for significant stretches, while wide receiver Ricky Pearsall dealt with knee and ankle problems.
The most notable absence was at quarterback, where Brock Purdy was limited to just nine starts due to turf toe and shoulder injuries. In his stead, Mac Jones rose to the occasion, guiding the team to a 5-3 record in eight starts. The former New England Patriots starter threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, showcasing poise and efficiency that kept San Francisco competitive.
Jones’ solid performance sparked debates about the quarterback hierarchy, with some wondering if he could challenge Purdy for the starting role. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan has consistently reaffirmed Purdy as the clear starter, emphasizing that health was the primary factor in the rotation. Shanahan has also been vocal about Jones’ value to the team, stating he would be “very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
The 27-year-old Jones, who was acquired by the 49ers as a backup, has been linked to quarterback-needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings in offseason rumors. But the organization’s stance signals a commitment to depth and stability at the position, especially given the injury-riddled nature of the 2025 season.
As the 49ers shift focus to the offseason, retaining Jones provides insurance behind Purdy and allows the team to build on their wild-card upset win over the Eagles (23-19). With a healthy roster, San Francisco could be poised for a deeper playoff run in 2026. For now, the wait is over—Mac Jones is staying put in the Bay Area.
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