Much of the offseason for the San Francisco 49ers was about re-signing quarterback Brock Purdy.
And they were able to do it thanks to a five-year extension worth $265 million. With this deal in place, the Niners have the future of the quarterback position solidified.
Because of this, a lot of San Francisco's quarterback room is expendable.
Especially with the team's backup, 2021 Pro Bowler Mac Jones.
It's a little soon to discuss possible moves when OTAs haven't even begun yet. But, looking at the availability of Jones following the Purdy deal, he can be considered the best trade asset the 49ers currently have.
The 27-year-old first-round draftee of the New England Patriots back in 2021 is on an $8.41 million deal over the next two seasons. This year, his cap hit is projected to be more than $2.5 million on the Niners' payroll. It's a relatively cheap contract that isn't too far off from what Jones was making as a rookie.
When comparing this to the other cap hits from backups across the league, there are only six other backup quarterbacks not on rookie deals who have less cap hits. Even when including all of the backups — regardless of a rookie deal or not — Jones ranks right in the middle ground of all backup signal-callers.
Jones is set to have a cheaper cap hit than both Kenny Pickett and Will Levis, who are both still on their rookie deals. His cap hit is also roughly half of what Davis Mills is expected to impact the Houston Texans payroll.
When looking at what is also available, a trade for Jones could be a little more favorable for a team than taking their chances on who is still unsigned.
Starting with the biggest name still in free agency, Aaron Rodgers.
The four-time MVP would be entering next season as a 42-year-old option. He was still productive last season with the New York Jets after throwing for 3,897 yards and having 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
But when you mix in his age, being two years removed from a torn Achilles, and possibly an expensive contract worth upwards of $25 million to30 million, it might be too much for a team to take a chance on him.
Outside of Rodgers, there are a few names still out there worth signing. Last season, Carson Wentz had a very comparable contract to what Jones is expected to make this seson. He is only 32 years old right now and can still provide some veteran mentorship if needed. Other than Wentz, there's C.J. Beathard, Teddy Bridgewater, Jeff Driskel, Tyler Huntley, and Desmond Ridder who are still available.
Out of those free agents, they've started 34 games over the last three seasons. Combined, they have a 13-20 record with 30 touchdowns to 25 interceptions.
Given the favorable contract and who is available, Jones is looking like a very strong trade asset among the quarterbacks in the NFL, and he might become much more sought after later this offseason, especially if another team loses its quarterback to a pre-Week 1 injury.
And now that the 49ers have finished their contract extensions, and have already made the notable trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel before the draft, Jones is the best trade asset the 49ers have to offer.