TL;DR
- Steelers and Vikings face quarterback uncertainty beyond 2025, with potential retirements and performance issues.
- Mac Jones is identified as a potential 2026 trade target for both the Steelers and Vikings.
- Jones could be a stopgap for Pittsburgh if Aaron Rodgers retires, or compete for a starting role in Minnesota.
- The 49ers may trade Mac Jones for a starting opportunity, with Pittsburgh and Minnesota as likely destinations.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings both have a huge question mark at the quarterback position beyond 2025.
Pittsburgh's current starting quarterback is Aaron Rodgers, but the 41-year-old (who turns 42 on December 2nd) might decide to retire after this season. If he does, the Steelers would be left with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as their primary quarterback choices for 2026.
J.J. McCarthy's initial season as the starting quarterback in Minnesota hasn't met expectations, and if his performance doesn't improve throughout the remainder of the year, the Vikings could face significant challenges in 2026.
Considering all this information, USA TODAY's Jacob Camenker identified the Steelers and Vikings as potential destinations for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones in 2026.
"The Steelers aren't likely to be in range for one of the draft's top quarterbacks, so trading for Jones could end up being a solid stopgap. The 27-year-old would be a natural replacement for Rodgers, as their present tendencies are similar," Camenker said of the Steelers. "Both quarterbacks prefer to utilize the short passing game to get the ball out of their hands quickly and get the ball to their playmakers in stride."
"Consider this hypothetical situation as similar to the one the Indianapolis Colts had with Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson during the 2025 offseason," Camenker said of the Vikings. "The younger passer (McCarthy) may have more upside, but the well-traveled veteran (Mac Jones) may be able to better unlock the team's potential."
Jones, a previous first-round selection by the New England Patriots, couldn't establish himself as their permanent solution and was subsequently dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.
While Jones demonstrated progress in Jacksonville, he's completely revitalized his career with the 49ers this year, performing admirably while Brock Purdy was sidelined by injury, guiding the team to a 5-3 record across his eight starts.
Even with his strong performance, the Niners won't be switching from Purdy as their franchise quarterback to Jones, especially after giving Purdy a $265 million deal.
The 49ers face a choice regarding Jones, whose contract extends through 2026: retain him as a backup for Purdy, or honor Jones's desire for a starting role by trading him to an interested team.
Should Rodgers decide to retire, the Steelers would certainly be among the teams in contention. For Pittsburgh, Jones presents an ideal interim solution, enabling them to remain competitive while a new quarterback matures under his guidance.
Jones might contend for the starting quarterback role against McCarthy during the offseason if the Vikings opt not to give him the position outright.
Alternatively, should the Vikings decide to name McCarthy their undisputed starting quarterback, Jones would then function as a safeguard should the Michigan native struggle.
Should Jones have his preference, he'd probably opt for The Steelers, given they present a more straightforward opportunity for a starting role should Rodgers decide to retire.
Still, the Vikings boast a significantly stronger supporting cast, suggesting greater potential for Jones in Minnesota.
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