49ers Could Find Next Backup Quarterback in Unlikely Place

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently identified the best landing spots for McCarthy. To no surprise, the 49ers made the list.

As mentioned above, the 49ers probably have the best backup situation in the league. The problem is, Jones will be a free agent after 2026, and he will almost certainly leave for a starting opportunity elsewhere.

As a result, the 49ers will likely be in the market for a new backup. Kyle Shanahan has been able to have success with pretty much every quarterback he's ever worked with, so this would be an ideal scenario for McCarthy.

"The San Francisco 49ers don't have an aging star atop the quarterback depth chart, but they could give McCarthy an excellent chance to reestablish himself as Brock Purdy's backup—something Mac Jones did last season," Knox explained.

Jones is a quarterback who was written off just like McCarthy. After just one year in the San Francisco quarterback factory, though, Jones is once again considered a potential franchise passer.

"Jones is very likely to parlay his two-year stint in San Francisco into a starting opportunity next offseason. If McCarthy could make his way to the Bay Area, he could potentially do the same," Knox added.

Unfortunately, the 49ers always have to plan for injuries. Instead of relying on Kurtis Rourke or a cheap veteran next year, the team could have McCarthy and his seemingly high ceiling behind Purdy.

It's also possible the Vikings aren't ready to totally give up on McCarthy. The quarterback has only played in 10 NFL games, and Kyler Murray hasn't exactly been the most consistent starter in the league.

McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2025. It will be interesting to see if the Michigan product gets a chance in 2026, or if the Vikings decide to cut bait.