The San Francisco 49ers were busy on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft despite not making a selection. San Francisco originally had the No. 27 pick, but made two draft decisions that led to them trading out of the first round while accumulating picks.
In the first trade that the Niners made on April 23, they sent Nos. 27 and No. 138 to the Miami Dolphins for Nos. 30 and No. 90 (third round). After that, San Francisco made another trade, sending the No. 30 to the New York Jets for No. 33 (second round) and No. 179 (fifth round).
After Round 1 ended, 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with the media and shared that they are open to listening to trade offers for the No. 33 pick.
“We’re always open for business,” Lynch told reporters. “I think that’d be foolish not to listen and so we will do that. But we have a good idea of where we’re going and looking forward to that.”
Moreover, Lynch spoke about the reasons for trading down, noting that they were looking back after the players they were targeting didn’t fall to them.
“There were a couple of players we would have taken had they been there,” Lynch said. “That didn’t happen. We had done our due diligence. Probably, you know, about this time last week, we started making calls: ‘Hey, if we were to get back.’ And I think the reason why I think this was a draft where a lot of people were trying to move back. And so you wanted to get ahead.”
Mac Jones More Valuable to Niners Than Day 2 Pick
Heading into Day 2, it will be interesting to see if the 49ers get any trade offers from teams that need a QB, given that this signal-caller draft class isn’t the best. Nonetheless, 95.7 The Game’s Daryle “Guru” Johnson wants the Niners to hang up the phone and not part ways with their insurance behind Brock Purdy.
“I would not [trade Jones for a third-round pick],” Johnson said on April 23 on 95.7 The Game. “He is the sole reason that this season was saved last year. And you don’t know if Brock Purdy’s turf toe, that thing could be a thing of the past, right? But if it were to, there’s nothing, there’s no better Geico than a backup quarterback that’s good at his job.”
Moreover, Johnson noted that while the 49ers do need to beef up their draft capital, Jones might be more important to the Niners than any Day 2 pick.
“I know they only got six picks, so you ask me a question, I’m going answer it, but no [I would not trade him], that’s how highly I think of Mac Jones, and that’s the best Geico you can have in the NFL,” Johnson added.
49ers Urged Not to Draft a QB In Order to Trade Mac Jones
Johnson also notes that San Francisco shouldn’t consider trading Jones and drafting a QB, given that the rookie might need to play. The 49ers’ backup showed he is more than capable of holding his own and performing well.
“What if that guy had to get in the game, and there was an injury to Brock? Now you’re dependent on a rookie quarterback that needs to be seasoned when you’ve got a guy like, we’ve seen what he can do, Mac Jones.
“Like, I don’t know if Niners fans, and I don’t think they are, are taking Mac Jones for granted. He is one of the biggest reasons you were able to still qualify for the playoffs last year.”
49ers Announce Major Draft News Ahead of Day 2