After filling in for QB Brock Purdy, the latest San Francisco 49ers rumors predict the team could deal veteran Mac Jones before the trade deadline. According to a source, as the 49ers are reportedly high on seventh-round Kurtis Rourke, the team could look to deal Jones. Earlier this offseason, GM John Lynch set an “astronomical” asking price for the backup QB, to no surprise, as he arguably carried this offense to a postseason appearance while Purdy recovered from an injury for eight matchups. However, since the 49ers are eyeing Rourke as their new backup, especially since he’s new and cheaper, this could motivate the team to be more flexible in dealing with the veteran backup.
Selected as a first-round pick, the former Alabama product became the starter in New England after beating out Cam Newton for full-time duties. While the QB looked promising, the Patriots fired Josh McDaniels in 2022, where Jones saw a huge regression, recording 2,997 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions that campaign. Another offensive coordinator change happened the following season, and after the 2023 campaign, the Patriots decided to deal the 49ers’ backup to Jacksonville.
After spending a year there, this is where the 49ers’ backup finally had a promising chance in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme. After recording a 69.6% of passes, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt, tossing 13 touchdowns against six interceptions, and putting up a 97.4 traditional rating and 62.3 QBR, he should have plenty of interest.
49ers Rumors: $3.5M Star Likely to Face Massive Trade
While Rourke will get more reps as a third-stringer, it shouldn’t be surprising if he gets second-team reps. This would make the 49ers comfortable enough to trigger a trade, of course, at the right price. However, if they want to have a solid return, they should ask for at least a third and fifth-round pick rather than a high second-round pick. At the same time, Lynch is probably going to juice Jones’ value and send him to a team that benefits San Francisco.
Potential Fits
Indianapolis Colts
While the Colts are searching for a third offensive weapon, they are also in the market for a backup QB. Anthony Richardson requested a trade earlier this offseason, but after receiving no interest, he decided to stay with the team. The Colts could look to move him if he impresses in training camp next month, and this would open up the opportunity for Jones to step in.
The team extended Daniel Jones with a two-year deal, but they’re hoping he can replicate what he did in the 2025 season before he suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury. If he’s showing his former Giants self, the next man up should be the 49ers QB.
Arizona Cardinals
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are embracing a complete rebuild since releasing Kyler Murray this offseason. The team signed veteran Gardner Minshew in free agency while selecting Carson Beck as the potential long-term starter. This left Jacoby Brissett in the dust, and he was looking for a new deal as he’s entering the final year of his current contract.
However, the Cardinals could cut Brissett before the season and bring in Jones instead. Arizona finally has a highly reliable head coach in Mike LaFleur, and the Cardinals should realize they aren’t punching their ticket to the playoffs with Minshew and Beck. Jones can be a temporary starter for a season to prove that he can fulfill starting duties, and if he’s successful, the Cardinals may have found their franchise quarterback until they fully develop Beck.
Atlanta Falcons
Despite signing Tua Tagovailoa, the Atlanta Falcons arguably have one of the worst quarterback rooms entering the 2026 season. Michael Penix Jr. has competition, but it’s hard to imagine any of these pocket-passers are the answer for this offense. You can clearly see that Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts are probably the ones who are going to carry this unit. This is the type of offense that Jones needs, so if Tagovailoa or Penix can’t step up, expect them to push for the 49ers backup.
