​San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is entering the 2026 season facing questions about his long-term future, even as the organization publicly backed him after agreeing to a two-year contract last year. One NFL insider, however, believes a highly specific scenario could abruptly alter those plans and potentially see Jones suited up for another team. NBC’s NFL coverage recently posted a video in which insider Mike Florio explained why Jones could become an appealing trade option before the season reaches its midpoint.
Florio suggested that Jones could be someone a team might trade for if a quarterback injury happen to strike between Week 1 and the Tuesday after Week 9. He noted that the league has seen periods when quarterbacks fall to injuries at a startling rate, recalling a year—perhaps 2023—when “quarterbacks were dropping like flies.” In seasons when injuries to the starting quarterback are scarce, a window might open to trade for a capable backup who has demonstrated resilience and capability. Florio argued that an injury, particularly during training camp or the preseason when quarterbacks aren’t supposed to be touched, could become the decisive trigger for a team to pursue Mac Jones.
The scenario Florio sketches hinges on misfortune somewhere else creating the right opening. He pointed to several teams where the quarterback situation is precarious due to health concerns. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes recovering from left ACL and LCL tears sustained in December 2025, but they expect him back for Week 1. They’ve also added Justin Fields as a backup, which makes a Jones trade seem unlikely. A similar dynamic exists with the Indianapolis Colts. Daniel Jones is recovering from an Achilles tear but is anticipated to participate fully in training camp, and the Colts still possess veteran depth behind him. Likewise, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is nearing full strength after ankle surgery, and Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. is following a comparable recovery path. In short, Florio’s take is that a Jones trade would most plausibly occur only if another starting quarterback suffers a injury during training camp, the preseason, or the regular season.
Despite the potential for a move, Jones’ value remains clear. He is entering his sixth NFL season and has shown he can perform effectively as a reliable backup when needed. When Brock Purdy sat out due to injury last season, Jones stepped in and helped San Francisco post a 5-3 record across eight starts. His performance included a 69.6 percent completion rate, along with 13 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. Even with those solid numbers, Jones remains motivated to serve as a starter again and to lead a franchise in the future.
“I’m still 27. I have some good scars and some bad scars, but I know I’ve learned a lot,” Jones has said, underscoring his ambition to return to a starting role. As the 2026 season unfolds, the landscape around Jones could shift quickly if an injury or other unforeseen event opens the door for a new opportunity—but the 49ers remain committed to him for now, while other teams weigh their own quarterback health and depth.