Recent reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter suggest the San Francisco 49ers aren't too interested in trading away quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, and this backs up the end-of-season press conference held by both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
That said, the offseason promises to be yet another market where demand outpaces the supply of starting-caliber quarterbacks, meaning the Niners' No. 2 option on the depth chart behind Brock Purdy already has plenty of value after resurrecting his career following eight starts, going 5-3 in the process.
With a weak NFL Draft class and relatively few likable options on the free-agent market, San Francisco is surely going to receive phone calls for Jones' services.
Especially with an awfully friendly 2026 cap hit of just over $3 million.
While some quarterback-needy teams may opt simply to kick the proverbial tires on a Jones trade, these three squads could be making a much more aggressive move to convince the 49ers to strike a deal.
3 teams that'd aggressively trade with 49ers for Mac Jones
No. 1: Minnesota Vikings
Talk of the Minnesota Vikings being in the mix for Jones is nothing new, especially after all the frustrations surrounding quarterback J.J. McCarthy's first year as a starter in 2025. And those were magnified by the success both teams' former quarterback, Sam Darnold, had during his first season with the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell's squad is built to win right now, and patience might have already run out on McCarthy. At the very least, adding some hefty competition would at least push the 2024 first-round pick into a rightful pedigree or, potentially, help right Minnesota's wrong of moving on from Darnold a year ago.
Either way, the Vikings have to do something under center if they look to remain competitive with the current iteration of their roster, and going after Jones makes sense.
No. 2: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are ultimately going to be in a pinch if they opt to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, yet given his demise, it'd be the least shocking thing to see happen despite the massive dead-money cap hit.
Therefore, finding a starter on the cheap would be wise for general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Jones' cap-friendly deal for 2026 is attractive here, as is the chance to work under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was on Shanahan's staff with the 49ers prior to the quarterback's arrival in the Bay Area. Operating within a similar offense while returning to his home state of Florida might be more than ideal for Jones with a clear path to being a full-time starter again.
No. 3: Las Vegas Raiders
On the surface, it wouldn't seem as if the Las Vegas Raiders would waste assets trying to land Jones in a trade, particularly when they're armed with the No. 1 overall pick and are all but guaranteed to use it on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
But Mendoza is heading into the ashes of a massive dumpster fire, one that first-year head coach Klint Kubiak won't be able to sort through quickly. There's a massive shortage of receiving weapons, the offensive line needs a complete overhaul and the defense could easily lose its best player, edge Maxx Crosby, if he truly wants out from under the franchise.
Throwing Mendoza into a starting role right away without a proper supporting cast might prove disastrous, but spending a mid-round asset to grab a mentor who can start on the interim would help prevent that.
Plus, Kubiak is another Shanahan-tree coach whose offense wouldn't be wholly unfamiliar to Jones, who'd be taking on that mentor role for the rookie first-overall pick.