49ers seem to accept Mac Jones reality amid NFL Draft, trade speculation

Throughout the offseason, reporters and analysts seemed much more interested in the idea of a team trading for San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones than were actual clubs. 

That remained true through the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. While speaking with reporters after the 49ers moved out of the draft's first round via a pair of trades, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that he has accepted the reality of the situation regarding Jones' status for the 2026 season. 

49ers would be "surprised" if something changes with Mac Jones

"I'd be real surprised if he's not [a Niner]," Shanahan said about Jones, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN. 

Jones presumably bolstered his value when he went 5-3 across eight starts during the 2025 regular season as 49ers starter Brock Purdy was sidelined with a toe injury on multiple occasions. Additionally, Jones is signed through the upcoming campaign via a team-friendly and inexpensive deal. 

However, the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals are among teams that had a need at the position but instead went in different directions this offseason. Some individuals recently suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade for Jones, but they seem confident that they will have Aaron Rodgers atop their depth chart later this year. 

49ers also surprised Mac Jones had no real trade value? 

Back on March 2, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic shared that the price tag the 49ers had placed on Jones was "higher than people might think. As in: More than just a second-round pick, which had been the buzz." Shanahan seemingly believes the 49ers won't get equal value for Jones anytime soon. 

"It also really surprised me that no one came and offered something like today, but the fact that no one did doesn't make me think someone's going to do something tomorrow," Shanahan added about why Jones is still with the 49ers. "And his value's probably already passed anyway."

History shows this situation may change if a team loses a quarterback to an injury between springtime workouts and the end of the preseason. For now, Jones and the 49ers are moving forward as if they will remain married through the start of the 2026 campaign.