A big point of discussion this offseason will be whether the San Francisco 49ers end up trading quarterback Mac Jones. Although recent reports suggest the team plans to hold onto him, if the Niners get a really good offer that could allow them to improve another area of the roster, then it would be hard to say no.
However, one recent trade proposal could make for a pretty easy "no" from the 49ers.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed a mock trade that would send Jones to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for J.J. McCarthy.
It’s not clear what the Niners would get out of that deal, though.
McCarthy has shown a little promise in his young NFL career. He looked pretty good in the 2024 preseason after he was drafted by the Vikings out of the University of Michigan, but he injured his knee and was not able to play out the rest of his rookie campaign.Â
That’s what led to Sam Darnold’s rise as a solid NFL quarterback and eventual departure to the Seattle Seahawks where he just won a Super Bowl.
McCarthy got healthy for 2025 and was Minnesota’s starter, but the season was a mixed bag, to say the least. He dealt with injuries again, but when he was on the field in his 10 starts, McCarthy had a 57.6 completion percentage for 1,632 yards and had 11 touchdown passes compared to 12 interceptions. He also ran for 181 yards and four touchdowns.
He’s got upside, but there is no need for the Niners to take on another reclamation project in exchange for Jones. They already have a proven backup in Jones, so it really wouldn’t make sense to give him up in exchange for another backup.
The only reason the Niners should trade Jones is if they got a pick in return that they could use on a defensive player, wide receiver, or to fill some other need. Either that or as part of a package to land a big, impactful player like Las Vegas Raiders edge Maxx Crosby.Â
Minnesota could still make sense as a landing spot for Jones, though. The Vikings had good success with Darnold after his one season with the Niners before letting him join the Seatttle Seahawks, a move they have to regret. Perhaps they can rectify it by bringing in another San Francisco backup.
The 49ers should not give Jones away for nothing. He proved how valuable he was to the team last season when he filled in for Brock Purdy, so if the Niners do trade him away, it has to be done strategically.