Mac Jones is 49ers Biggest Trade Asset After Purdy Contract

The San Francisco 49ers did not call in quarterback Mac Jones this free agency for him to compete with Brock Purdy for the starting job.

That became clearer than it already was when the Niners extended Purdy with the largest contract in franchise history this week, valued at $265 million over five years.

Jones will file in as a backup alongside late-round NFL Draft pick Kurtis Rourke. The former New England Patriot and Jacksonville Jaguar likely commands second-string positioning because of his experience over the rookie.

With Purdy being only 25 years old, San Francisco has their quarterback situation settled for the substantial future. The backup QB position is important, but its not going to be a player you choose to hang on to for a handful of years.

This idea theoretically puts Jones up for grabs, despite the ink on this offseason's two-year, $8.4 million contract hardly dry.

And in surveying the rest of the 49ers roster ahead of OTAs, Jones becomes the most likely trade asset if San Fran is inclined to test the waters.

Jones was a former first-round pick of the Patriots and Pro Bowl selection in 2021. His rookie contract hovered around a $2 million cap hit per season after his rookie year. That number is comparable to how much he takes up this season on San Francisco's books ($2.5 million).

That ranks among the cheapest backup quarterback contracts in the league, especially for someone with starting experience and not on a rookie deal.

For quarterback-hungry teams, Jones' youth may be more favorable than taking a gamble on others still on the market.

Of course, Aaron Rodgers is still available despite how close we all think he is to signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carson Wentz is another alternative, but he may have already hit his peak, whereas Jones, 26, has more time to develop into something more at basically the same price.

Mac was traded to the Jaguars last offseason and appeared in 10 games (seven starts) in 2024. The bulk of his action came late in the season after an injury to starter Trevor Lawrence. Jones ended the year completing 171-of-262 passes (65.3%) for 1,672 yards with eight touchdowns and interceptions.

The rest of San Francisco's depth may not feature as much promise as Jones, so if the Niners are interested in striking a deal, someone in the trade market for a backup quarterback would be the best value bet.

A team may certainly be interested in trading for Jones later this offseason barring a training camp injury, but at this point the phone lines are quiet.