The San Francisco 49ers are officially on record saying they aren't planning to trade backup quarterback Mac Jones this offseason despite a new trend (thank you, Sam Darnold) of backups under head coach Kyle Shanahan going on to have success elsewhere amid a career resurrection.
The Niners did themselves a solid by signing Jones for two year, and his successful eight-game stretch in relief of a then-injured Brock Purdy put the former squarely on the trade market this offseason.
Regardless of what Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have said otherwise.
There'll be plenty of suitors aiming to replicate what both the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks enjoyed with Darnold over the last two years. And again, the number of quarterback-needy teams this offseason exceeds the number of available would-be starters.
One team, however, might not necessarily need a proven starter. But, according to some insight from Fox Sports' Henry McKenna, the Atlanta Falcons may opt to get into the mix.
49ers hope Falcons join the Mac Jones sweepstakes this offseason
McKenna cycled through potential new homes for quarterbacks who may be on the move this offseason, and he suggested Atlanta as the fit for Jones, thanks to head coach Kevin Stefanski's arrival this offseason after departing the Cleveland Browns:
"Kevin Stefanski is a really good fit for Jones. And the Falcons offense has enough weapons to support the QB, who — everyone can plainly see — isn’t a world-beater. Jones doesn't have a no-trade clause, but I suspect the 49ers will help him land in the right place. In Atlanta, there’s enough to like and enough to feel optimistic about. Quarterback Michael Penix poses a threat, but a small one, given he’s a remnant of the past regime. Jones could find himself in the right place at the right time to do what Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith have all done: reinvent themselves."
The caveat here is Penix, whom Stefanski inherited, yet the Falcons used a first-round pick on the quarterback less than two years ago. While Penix has showcased some pluck before his 2025 season-ending injury, it's hard to say whether or not Stefanski would want someone new under center, if the front office would even permit that.
If that should happen, though, San Francisco wouldn't mind.
Atlanta getting in on trade talks for Jones would ultimately boost up the 49ers' asking price among the remaining competition. The Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and perhaps even the top-picking Las Vegas Raiders may explore a Jones trade.
Getting another team in the bidding war only benefits the Niners, if they're merely creating a smokescreen by saying they won't trade Jones this offseason.