In a stunning turn of events that’s shaking up the NFL landscape, the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly on the verge of parting ways with quarterback Mac Jones. After months of speculation, sources close to the team indicate that the Niners are finally ready to pull the trigger on a trade—if the right offer comes along. And boy, have some jaw-dropping proposals surfaced that could make this a done deal!
The 49ers have been vocal this offseason: they’re only moving on from Jones if an offer absolutely blows them away. Acquired as a backup to Brock Purdy, Jones has proven himself as one of the league’s top reserves, with solid arm talent, quick decision-making, and the poise of a former first-round pick. But with Purdy locked in as the starter and the team eyeing roster upgrades, San Francisco is open to flipping Jones for assets that could supercharge their Super Bowl aspirations.
Enter Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, who dropped a bombshell with trade scenarios for all 32 teams. Two of them spotlight the 49ers, either shipping out Jones or having another squad swoop in to grab him. These aren’t just pie-in-the-sky ideas—they’re structured deals that address real needs and could force the Niners’ hand. Let’s break them down, because these offers are so tantalizing, refusing them might be malpractice for a contender like San Francisco.
Trade Scenario 1: Vikings Come Calling with a Pick Haul That Could Explode
First up, the Minnesota Vikings, who are desperate for quarterback stability amid uncertainties with rookie J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy’s unproven status and nagging durability issues have the Vikes scrambling for a reliable option. In Ballentine’s proposal, the 49ers would receive the No. 82 overall pick—a solid third-rounder—plus a conditional selection starting as a fourth-rounder. But here’s the kicker: that conditional pick could escalate all the way to a second-rounder based on Jones’ playing time.
Imagine that: Turning a backup QB into a potential Day 2 bonanza! For the Niners, this structure is tailor-made. They’ve got depth at quarterback, but draft capital? That’s gold for a team always tweaking its roster. If Jones steps in for Minnesota and logs significant snaps—say, due to McCarthy’s inexperience or injuries—that fourth-rounder morphs into a second. Suddenly, San Francisco is looking at a third and a second for a player who’s mostly riding the pine.
Is a straight third enough for Jones? Debatable. But with the upside of more? It’s downright enticing. The Vikings get a proven bridge quarterback who could stabilize their offense, while the 49ers cash in on Jones’ value before it potentially dips. This deal screams “win-win,” and if the Niners are truly serious about being “blown away,” this package might just do it.
Trade Scenario 2: Steelers Offer a Pass-Rush Phenom in Nick Herbig—Plus a Cherry on Top
If the Vikings’ deal is about future picks, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ proposal is all about immediate impact. In this swap, the 49ers would send Jones to the Steel City in exchange for edge rusher Nick Herbig and a late-round pick. Honestly, San Francisco might not even haggle over that extra selection—Herbig alone could be the steal of the offseason.
Don’t sleep on Herbig. Despite being buried behind superstars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the depth chart, the young edge rusher balled out last season. We’re talking 48 pressures, 7.5 sacks, and a ridiculous 22.4% pass-rush win rate. For context, Highsmith notched 9.5 sacks with a 15.3% win rate, and Watt—arguably the best in the business—had 7 sacks at 15.1%. Herbig’s efficiency is off the charts, proving he’s not just a rotational guy; he’s a game-changer waiting to explode.
At 23 years old, Herbig is young, cheap (on a rookie deal), and already productive—three boxes the 49ers are dying to check along their defensive line. Sure, he’s a tad undersized at 6’2″ and 240 pounds, but that could perfectly complement a bigger-bodied rusher like Mykel Williams in San Francisco’s scheme. The Niners’ front has been solid, but adding a high-upside talent like Herbig could elevate them to elite status, especially with Nick Bosa anchoring the group.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, gets Jones as a potential upgrade or insurance behind Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. With their quarterback room in flux, Jones’ experience could be a safety net. For the 49ers, this trade isn’t just about dumping Jones—it’s about acquiring a defensive weapon that fits their win-now mentality.
Why These Deals Are Irresistible—and Why Jones Might Be Gone Soon
Let’s be real: The 49ers aren’t desperate to move Jones. He’s a luxury backup in a league where QB injuries can derail seasons (just ask the Jets or Browns). But these offers? They’re the kind that make GMs salivate. A potential second-round pick package from Minnesota addresses long-term building, while Herbig from Pittsburgh injects youth and production into a defense hungry for more sacks.
If San Francisco sticks to their “blown away” mantra, anything short of these might keep Jones in red and gold. But with the draft approaching and teams jockeying for position, expect the phones to ring hot in the Bay Area. Jones has been a pro’s pro since arriving, but business is business. If these trades go down, the 49ers could emerge even stronger—proving once again why they’re perennial contenders.
Stay tuned, NFL fans. This offseason just got a whole lot spicier. Could Mac Jones be suiting up in purple or black and gold next season? If these offers are on the table, it’s not a question of if, but when.
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