Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction.

Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and winning some games the 49ers probably shouldn't have won. In doing so, Jones earned a lot of respect from his teammates and the fan base, showing a great amount of toughness and competitiveness.


On Saturday, Mo Moton, of Bleacher Report, ranked his top-10 backup quarterbacks based on their estimated trade value. Moton based his findings on criteria such as recent production, upside, reported inquiries, and age. And where did Jones rank in Bleacher Report's Top 10?

Not surprisingly, at number one.

"Mac Jones is at the top of the backup quarterback trade market," Moton wrote. "At 27, he's in his prime at the position and had a strong showing this past season as a fill-in for Brock Purdy.

"In 11 outings (eight starts), Jones threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 69.6 percent completion rate. Most notably, he helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to an overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams in an impressive Thursday night performance, battling through bumps and bruises.

"The Athletic's Jeff Howe believes the 49ers could fetch a first-round pick for Jones, which seems steep for a player on his third team in four years. However, Jones looked the part of a starter in San Francisco. Of course, head coach and offensive play-caller Kyle Shanahan deserves some credit for that.


"Nonetheless, Jones has shown flashes of his ability to be a starter at all three of his career stops, going back to his 2021 rookie Pro Bowl season with the New England Patriots. In five campaigns, he's thrown for 67 touchdowns and 50 interceptions with a 66.5 percent completion rate.

"Because of Purdy's injury history, the 49ers should command premium draft capital for Jones in trade talks. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, they added $300,000 in incentives to his contract.
San Francisco may not get a first-round pick for Jones, but a second-rounder is a reasonable demand for a player who could have a redemption story if given the chance to be a full-time starter."

Moton believes that Jones' estimated trade value is a 2027 second-round pick. Shanahan likely does not want to trade him, but if he did, San Francisco would be happy to take on a second-round pick. The question remains: Would Jones be more valuable in San Francisco as Purdy's backup, especially considering his injury history? Or would Jones be more valuable to the 49ers as a future second-rounder?

If you're talking about 2026, then Jones is easily more important to the team this season. But if you're thinking long-term, he is decidedly more valuable as a trade piece to receive a high draft pick. That said, if Jones can help keep the ship afloat during a potential span without Purdy, and the 49ers can win a Super Bowl because of it, there's no value greater than that.

Written By:

Marc Adams


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