The New York Jets’ potential interest in veteran quarterback Mac Jones appears unlikely to become a reality following recent comments from San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Shanahan addressed trade speculation surrounding Jones, saying, “You also listen to people with trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good football players. So I would be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year,” according to Zach Pressnell of Yahoo Sports.
Jones had recently been mentioned as a possible veteran option for the Jets as they continue to search for stability at the quarterback position. The franchise faces a critical decision heading into next season, as the position remains a question mark.
With the 2026 NFL Draft widely viewed as lacking top-end quarterback talent, the Jets are not expected to use their premium draft capital on the position. Around the league, evaluators have expressed skepticism about the class’s ability to produce a true franchise quarterback.
“Nobody is playing the position well enough to be like, ‘That dude can take over my franchise,’” an NFL team executive said, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
As a result, recent rumors have suggested the Jets may look to bring in a veteran quarterback to fill the role for the 2026 season rather than investing heavily in a draft prospect from an underwhelming class.
Jones, 27, a former first-round pick by the New England Patriots, filled in for the 49ers during the 2025 season when Brock Purdy was injured and performed well. He threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games, per ESPN.
The former Alabama quarterback played good enough during that stretch to create discussion around the league about his potential to become a starter again. However, Shanahan’s comments suggest San Francisco has little interest in moving on from Jones, making a trade to New York increasingly unrealistic.
GettyQB Mac Jones.
Veteran Quarterbacks the Jets Could Pursue via Trade
If the 49ers head coach’s comments are true, New York will likely need to turn to another quarterback option.
Jones is not the only veteran quarterback who has been linked to the Jets in trade discussions. ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler recently reported that veterans such as Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals), Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders), and Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) could all be made available to the Jets.
According to Fowler, an AFC executive said, “They could go young and load up for the 2027 draft of quarterbacks, but the head coach [Aaron Glenn] probably needs to win, so he might need more of a reliable option.”
All three quarterbacks are experienced enough to fill the role and have been rumored to be available via trade, as their respective teams are likely preparing to move on in search of a new quarterback.
GettyQB Geno Smith.
What If the Jets Don’t Trade for a Quarterback?
New York has several options at the quarterback position if they choose not to pursue a veteran via trade.
Some realistic targets in the 2026 free-agent market include Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers) and Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders).
If the Jets prefer to go the draft route, Alabama’s Ty Simpson could be a fit in the late first round or early second.
GettyQB Malik Willis.
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