San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is entering the 2026 season with uncertainty surrounding his long-term future. Still, San Francisco has publicly backed the veteran after signing him to a two-year contract last year.
But one NFL insider believes a very specific situation could quickly change those plans, and Jones might join another team.
Mike Florio Believes an Injury Disaster Can Prompt Other Teams to Go for Mac Jones
NFL on NBC recently shared a video where NFL insider Mike Florio explained why Jones could become an attractive trade option before the season reaches its midway point.
“I think he’s a guy who potentially could be traded to a team that develops a need at the quarterback position between Week 1 and the Tuesday after Week 9 because who knows who’s going to get injured,” Florio said on July 8. “There was a year, I think it was 2023, when quarterbacks were dropping like flies.”
“Some years, injuries to starting quarterbacks are minimal, but that may be when the window opens for someone to trade for Mac Jones. And if the injury happens during training camp or the preseason, quarterback injuries are typically rare in training camp because quarterbacks can’t be touched… I think an injury is the thing that would cause a team to make a move for Mac Jones.”
Florio believes another team’s misfortune could create the perfect opening for Jones to find a new home. And there are some teams where their starting quarterback is already dealing with injuries.
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For example, Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is recovering from left ACL and LCL tears suffered in December 2025. However, the Chiefs expect him back for Week 1, and they also added Justin Fields as backup, making a move for Jones highly unlikely.
Same scenario in the Colts. Daniel Jones is recovering from an Achilles tear but is expected to be a full participant in training camp, and the Colts also have veteran depth behind him.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is also nearing full strength after right ankle surgery, and Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is on a similar path.
So, a trade involving Jones probably happens only if another starting quarterback goes down during training camp, the preseason, or the regular season.
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But no one can deny the value Jones provides as quarterback. He is entering his sixth NFL season and has proven he can handle the backup role.
When Brock Purdy missed time with an injury last season, Jones stepped into the lineup and guided San Francisco to a 5-3 record in eight starts. He also completed 69.6% of his passes while throwing 13 touchdowns against 6 interceptions.
However, Jones is not fully satisfied with the backup role and still wants to lead a franchise again.
“I’m still 27. I have some good scars and bad scars, but I know I can play,” Jones said during a recent appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast.
“But I do want to get that chance again, to run a team and be the guy. … It’s hard when it’s Brock’s team or any backup; I’m sure they deal with that. But if you can get that chance again, I feel like I can really elevate people around me. And whether that comes soon or later or never, I know I’m going to be ready for it. I hope it does happen.”
For now, though, the 49ers have little reason to move on Jones because of Purdy’s injury history. So, unless another club suffers a major quarterback injury and presents a strong trade offer, the 49ers are likely to keep him.
