The San Francisco 49ers may not keep Mac Jones around for long. The backup quarterback who salvaged San Francisco’s season with several clutch performances is reportedly drawing interest from a team desperate for stability at the position.
The Minnesota Vikings have Jones on their radar as a potential offseason acquisition, Vikings reporter Jason Harmon of SKOR North reported Thursday. Minnesota still has faith in JJ McCarthy as their starter, but injuries remain a significant concern.
Jones went 5-3 as San Francisco’s starter during the 2025 regular season while Brock Purdy battled various health issues. He threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions across eight starts, earning respect from 49ers fans with several gritty performances down the stretch.
The 27-year-old former first-round pick found new life in San Francisco after flaming out with the New England Patriots and a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His strong play has created a market for his services heading into the offseason.
– The team still has faith in McCarthy but injuries are the main worry.
– Source with inside knowledge shared Mac Jones is definitely on the Vikings radar, but there are a number of other teams interested.
– One
Why the Vikings Make Sense
Minnesota’s quarterback situation was chaotic throughout 2025. McCarthy played in just 10 games due to injuries. Backup quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer were nightmarish during their time in relief.
The Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. They have weapons on offense and a solid defense. The missing piece is reliable quarterback play, whether that comes from McCarthy staying healthy or from adding capable insurance behind him.
Jones represents exactly what Minnesota needs. He’s proven he can win games as a starter when called upon. His $3.98 million cap hit for 2026 makes him affordable for a Vikings team facing cap constraints. He’s familiar with adversity and won’t crumble if thrust into action unexpectedly.
Minnesota isn’t the only team interested, according to Harmon. Jones will have multiple suitors once the offseason trade market opens. That competition should drive up his price and give San Francisco leverage in negotiations.
What the 49ers Should Demand
GettyGeneral manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers shouldn’t sell low on Jones after watching him rescue their season. He’s worth more than a mid-round pick swap or salary dump.
Minnesota has pieces San Francisco could target. Wide receiver Jordan Addison has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate. A package centered around Addison plus a draft pick would make sense for both sides.
The Vikings need Jones more than the 49ers need to move him. General manager John Lynch should leverage that desperation. Asking for Addison and a third-round pick isn’t unreasonable given Jones’ performance and Minnesota’s quarterback crisis.
If the Vikings balk at that price, other teams will emerge with better offers. The backup quarterback market is thin. Teams looking for starting-caliber insurance or a bridge option will pay premium prices for someone who just proved he can win games.
The 49ers’ Case for Keeping Jones
GettyMac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers.
Trading Jones carries significant risk for San Francisco. Purdy isn’t injury-prone, but he’s not an Iron Man either. He missed multiple games in 2025 with various ailments. The 49ers discovered how valuable quality backup quarterback play is when their season hung in the balance.
The Denver Broncos just demonstrated the importance of depth at the position. So did Minnesota, but in reverse. Having Jones as insurance allows San Francisco to weather injuries without watching their championship window close.
Unless the 49ers receive a first-round pick or a genuinely impactful player in return, keeping Jones makes more sense than gambling on finding adequate replacement-level quarterback play. Mid-round picks rarely produce players of Jones’ caliber.
The moment Purdy misses a game in 2026 and San Francisco’s backup can’t replicate Jones’ success, Lynch will regret the decision to move him. That risk should inform how aggressively the front office pursues trade offers.
Final Word
Jones betting on himself by signing with San Francisco paid off. He resurrected his career and proved he’s a legitimate NFL starter when given opportunity. That performance created trade value the 49ers didn’t have at this time last year.
Minnesota represents the most logical landing spot. Head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s offense would suit Jones’ skill set. The Vikings have playmakers who can make his job easier. The situation mirrors what he found in San Francisco—a well-constructed roster that just needs competent quarterback play to contend.
But the 49ers hold leverage in any negotiation. They don’t need to trade Jones. They want maximum return if they’re going to part with a quarterback who just won five games for them. Minnesota’s desperation should drive the price up, not down.
Lynch will field offers throughout the offseason. Whether he pulls the trigger depends on what teams are willing to pay. The Vikings may be interested, but interest alone doesn’t complete deals. San Francisco will wait for the right price or keep Jones and sleep better knowing their quarterback depth is sorted for 2026.
49ers Get Trade Interest for Mac Jones From NFC Team