Kyle Shanahan all but shuts down Mac Jones trade talk after breakout 49ers run

The San Francisco 49ers found ways to win all season, even as injuries piled up and forced constant adjustments. They still reached 13 victories and pushed through a road playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles before their run ended.

One of the stabilizing forces behind that resilience was backup quarterback Mac Jones, who stepped in when Brock Purdy was sidelined and delivered steady results.

Jones made eight starts and finished with a 5–3 record in that span. He totaled 2,151 passing yards, threw 13 touchdowns, and was intercepted six times while guiding the offense efficiently.

His production, paired with a modest $2.81 million salary in 2026, quickly put him on the radar of quarterback-needy teams around the league.

Despite that attention, head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested the organization has little appetite to move on. After the season, Shanahan said he had spoken directly with Jones and did not expect him to be elsewhere next year.

“You always listen to people and trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players,” Shanahan said. “So, I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”

From the team’s perspective, keeping Jones carries additional upside. If he leaves after next season on a significant deal, San Francisco could benefit from the compensatory pick formula. That long-term angle, combined with his play during a turbulent year, has clearly shaped internal thinking.

Why Mac Jones’ value extends beyond trade chatter

The 49ers’ season ended abruptly with a lopsided divisional-round loss to the Seattle Seahawks, underscoring the need for roster reinforcement. Still, quarterback depth is not viewed as a weakness.

When Purdy missed time with a toe injury, Jones delivered performances that surpassed even his rookie output in New England, completing 69.6 percent of his passes with a 97.4 passer rating.

General manager John Lynch echoed Shanahan’s stance, emphasizing Jones’ overall impact.

“You always listen, but I know we’re a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster,” Lynch said. He also credited Jones’ presence for lifting the quarterback room and influencing teammates through his approach and demeanor.

The former No. 15 overall pick entered the league with promise, earning a Pro Bowl nod and leading the Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie before struggling over the next three seasons. His resurgence in San Francisco has reopened conversations about his ceiling, even if some of the improvement stems from Shanahan’s system.

With defensive needs, questions at wide receiver, and George Kittle expected to miss much of 2026, the 49ers face larger priorities. At his current cost, Jones remains one of the league’s most efficient insurance policies, which helps explain why San Francisco appears content to tune out the noise.