It's been over a month since the 2025 NFL trade deadline, meaning the San Francisco 49ers won't be able to trade players until the start of the league new year in March of 2026.
But, that won't stop general manager John Lynch from keeping his ears close to the ground.
Of course, one notable trade possibility is moving the Niners' high-profile backup quarterback, Mac Jones, who admirably filled in for an injured Brock Purdy over much of the season and helped San Francisco go 5-3 over that stretch -- a big part of why the 49ers currently sit at 9-4 in the thick of the NFC playoff picture.
With the Niners fully committed to Purdy, both in tone and financially, Jones is a trade asset, especially when considering relatively weak free-agent and NFL Draft classes at the position this offseason.
And there'll be no shortage of teams exploring worthy additions to their respective quarterback rooms.
So, that prompts the question: Will Lynch aim to trade Jones away this offseason?
The GM's response may (or may not) surprise you.
John Lynch fully opens door to Mac Jones trade chatter with latest comments
Lynch joined Tim Kawakami on The TK Show podcast and was asked whether or not his backup quarterback could potentially be moved this offseason, particularly in light of several squads in clear need of signal-calling upgrades.
While Lynch didn't exactly say San Francisco will actively look to trade Jones this offseason, he nonetheless expressed a willingness to do so:
"We could always do something. But I think that's a position—nobody exhibited this more than the great Bill Walsh—is that the more quality players you have in that room, that sets you up for success. And I think you've got to keep your eyes and ears open to everything.
But we obviously believe greatly in Brock Purdy, and Brock earned that trust from us. Mac earned a lot of trust this year with the way he played, so we're excited about that room. We're going to just keep focusing on this season. We'll figure out everything as it goes."
This jives with what Lynch has reiterated for years: The 49ers are always willing to explore trades and roster moves if they feel it'll improve the squad. Moving Jones, who is under contract through 2026, could easily fill into that description.
The conundrum, of course, is realizing how vital a backup Jones has been this year. Having that kind of serviceability next season could be priceless, should Purdy suffer another injury.
However, should a quarterback-needy team make the right offer, Lynch wouldn't refuse it.
He told Kawakami as much.
Hat tip to David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone for the find and transcription.