The San Francisco 49ers addressed one key need with their trade for DeForest Buckner, but they may not be done adding. The Niners could use an upgrade at cornerback and punt returner, and New England Patriots corner Marcus Jones would be an absolute dream fit even if the odds or landing him aren't particularly high.
It's important to note that Jones was signed to a three-year, $36 million contract extension, which will keep him in New England through the 2028 season. It's not as if the Pats have had an awful year as they are 4-3 and are still very much in the playoff picture.
The only way the Patriots might even entertain trading him is if they go on a bad losing streak the next few weeks and look totally inept. and then the Niners would probably have to give them an insane package to land him and may even have to throw in a young player just for good measure.
That all needs to be said, just to make it abundantly clear this is not a highly likely trade.
But if there was a trade that would instantly make the 49ers better in two areas needing improvement, this would be it.
49ers have acute needs at CB and in the return game
The Niners could use some help at cornerback, especially after cutting Jack Jones following his poor performance against the Atlanta Falcons. San Francisco should feel pretty good about Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Upton Stout, but Stout has been out with a shoulder injury, so there could be a little more depth.
Jones has an interception and a sack on the season, and he had three picks and a pick-six last year, so he's no slouch as a cornerback. But the defensive back truly adds extra value as a returner. So far this season, Jones hasn't been especially explosive as he has 11 returns for 117 yards, but in 2025, he averaged over 17 yards per return and took two punts to the house with a long of 94 yards.
49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing has been shaky as a punt returner this season. He's already muffed one punt and has also made poor decisions in trying to return certain boots, so it's clear there is room for improvement.
Jones would be a major upgrade over Cowing and would give the Niners a special teams weapon they have not had since Ted Ginn Jr.
Jones would not come cheap, and there's a good chance he won't even be for sale. But what about a trade of Renardo Green, Jacob Cowing, and a third-round pick for him?
That might be a lot but Jones is a game-changer and might just be worth it.
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