Quarterback Mac Jones holds significant trade value in San Francisco despite serving as Brock Purdy’s backup. The 49ers signed Jones to back up Brock Purdy, but his 2025 season changed how the team views him. Stepping for an injured Purdy, Jones made eight starts and led the team to 5-3 record. He completed 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 69.6% of his passes.
Jones also knows Kyle Shanahan’s system, although San Francisco revised his 2026 contract, making him an unrestricted free agent in March 2027. Consequently, Bleacher Report views Jones as one of the top trade assets on the 49ers’ roster, projecting his market value at a conditional 2027 second-round pick. The report also highlights Minnesota as a potential suitor.
The 49ers have little reason to rush a deal while they remain in contention, but Minnesota makes sense as a future landing spot because of its quarterback situation. Kyler Murray signed a one-year contract with the Vikings in March, so his future beyond 2026 is not guaranteed. Thus, Jones can be a player to watch for the Vikings if Murray does not work for them.
If Minnesota waits until the 2027 offseason, it will not need to yield draft capital to San Francisco, as Jones will hit open free agency. That scenario differs fundamentally from present trade discussions, where Bleacher Report projects a conditional second-round pick requirement.
Vikings Have Bigger Questions to Answer Before Another Quarterback Arrives
Murray suffered a concussion in the season opener against Green Bay and left in the first quarter. Wentz took over and helped turn a 22-10 deficit into a 39-22 victory. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns. If Murray cannot clear the concussion protocol for Week 2, Wentz is expected to start against the Chicago Bears.
The Vikings still have questions despite winning Week 1. Green Bay threw for 387 yards, with Jordan Love completing 21 of 42 passes. Christian Watson also finished with 147 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota’s defense eventually settled down and produced four sacks, but giving up that much passing production leaves room for improvement.
Pursuing a trade for Jones also introduces roster complications. Minnesota already has Murray, Wentz, J.J. McCarthy, and rookie Max Brosmer under contract. Adding another experienced starter would force the front office to make difficult decisions regarding roster spots and depth chart hierarchy, especially considering McCarthy entered Week 1 as QB3 behind Murray and Wentz
Ultimately, speculative trade scenarios remain secondary to immediate tasks. Week 2 brings a tough divisional challenge as the Vikings head to Chicago for a Sunday matchup.
