The San Francisco 49ers have simultaneously been the most unlucky team in the league and one of its most resilient. With injuries battering through the roster from top to bottom, it would be easy to excuse them for having an underwhelming record. However, five weeks into the season, they somehow stand at 4-1, thanks in large part to an excellent defense and a quarterback who has performed as well as a backup reasonably could.
With Brock Purdy suffering a turf toe injury in Week 1, the 49ers have called on Mac Jones to take over the starting reins three times this season. Somehow, he’s led them to a 3-0 record in those games. However, things reached a fever pitch this week, as San Francisco stole a victory from the Los Angeles Rams, even without their top-three wide receivers and starting tight end.
The Case for Brock Purdy
After signing a five-year deal worth $265 million, it feels impossible that the 49ers will trade Purdy away less than half a season later. However, even at the time of the extension, a significant question mark surrounding him was his actual ability.
Thanks to the brilliance Kyle Shanahan has shown throughout his career, Purdy’s success, both individually and as a team, felt like a byproduct of that brilliance. The performances this year from the two quarterbacks have done a great job of highlighting that point.
If Shanahan can get superstar production from virtually any starting quarterback in the NFL, then the $53 million price tag that Purdy has per season feels like overkill. Additionally, there is a history of injury to be concerned about.
After he took over the starting job midway through his rookie season, Purdy was knocked out of the NFC Championship Game with a right elbow injury. Then again, in 2024, injuries to his right shoulder and elbow caused him to miss time.
This year, through five games, he’s suited up just twice. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, his stature was always going to be a hard thing to overcome. However, right after the contract extension, San Francisco cannot feel confident about his long-term health.
The 49ers fan base was quick to notice the potential shortcomings and the value Jones was providing for a fraction of the money. As a result, social media started blowing up with messages of “trade Purdy.”
Some went deeper with their analysis, explaining, “Brock Purdy was a waste. I knew Mac Jones would be better in this system. Imagine if Mac had Kittle, Aiyuk, and Pearsall. I’d trade Purdy for a first-round pick to escape his awful contract.”
Brock Purdy was a waste. I knew Mac Jones would be better in this system. Imagine if Mac had Kittle, Aiyuk, and Pearsall. I’d trade Purdy for a first-round pick to escape his awful contract. @Grok in Brock Purdys last 14 starts what is his W-L and TD’s INT.
— Rick Hunter (@RicHuntter) October 3, 2025
Others had similar ideas, too, with some fans suggesting teams as well. “I don’t want to see Purdy again. Trade him for a haul of picks right now. Maybe see if the Jets will take him for Quenin Williams.”
I don’t want to see Purdy again. Trade him for a haul of picks right now. Maybe see if the Jets will take him for Quenin Williams.
— Aniston Howard (@AnistonHoward) October 3, 2025
Some went the funny route with their assessment, stating, “Soooooo should we trade for Brock Purdy now that Mac Jones is gonna be the 49ers QB for the next decade lol.”
But for those who were trying to be more realistic with their expectations about a trade, they wrote, “With the cap being the cap, and Purdy’s contract, maybe a trade would make more sense for 2026 and beyond?”
However, Purdy wasn’t the only trade that the 49ers could explore.
The Case for Mac Jones
A spectacular college career made it feel like a guarantee that Jones could be the heir apparent for the New England Patriots. A first year where he made the Pro Bowl and led the team to the playoffs seemed like the perfect start to his career.
However, over the next three seasons, it became wilfully clear that he wasn’t as good as initially advertised. As a result, he signed a two-year contract with San Francisco worth just $8.41 million to back up Purdy.
His number, though, has been called repeatedly, and he’s delivered every time without fail. Winning all three of his games, Jones has averaged over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns per game, with a passer rating of 99.1.
As a result, some folks believe, if Purdy can return to full health, San Francisco could potentially get a massive haul for a player whose value might be the highest it’s ever been.
One fan explained, “realistically, trade Mac while his value is through the roof. there’s plenty of QB needy teams that would give up 3-5 round capital for him.” Some believed a deal might not be too far away.
realistically, trade Mac while his value is through the roof. there’s plenty of QB needy teams that would give up 3-5 round capital for him
— 5$pooky (@spookywashere_) October 3, 2025
“Mac Jones looked like a starter. Something may go down before the trade deadline,” one fan wrote, as others were ready to pitch possible destinations as well.
Saints need to trade for Mac Jones
— Billy Ray Valentine (@CoStew) October 3, 2025
As one fan wrote, “Saints need to trade for Mac Jones,” and another argued, “Bengals need to trade for Mac Jones.”
Bengals need to trade for Mac Jones
— Take an Edd-ible (@doubleDEEZNUTS1) October 3, 2025
It’s unclear whether any deal will be finalized. With the number of injuries the 49ers have suffered at a league-high, it is hard to imagine them trading players away when the need could be paramount at any point in time.
However, if either of these two names were to be traded, it would significantly alter the outlook of their new franchise, as well as that of the San Francisco team.
