49ers QB Mac Jones Draws Vikings Trade Speculation

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones has emerged as a subject of trade speculation ahead of the offseason, with analysts proposing a potential deal that would send him to the Minnesota Vikings despite the team's stated intention to retain him as Brock Purdy's backup.

Jones stepped into the starting role for eight games during the 2025 season after Purdy suffered a toe injury that sidelined him for that span. In those outings, Jones completed passes for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the 49ers to a 5-3 record. The performance revived interest in the 27-year-old, who signed a two-year, $8.41 million contract with San Francisco last offseason following a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. Prior to that, Jones had started his career with the New England Patriots, where he enjoyed a promising rookie year in 2021 before regressing over the next two seasons amid reported communication breakdowns with then-coach Bill Belichick.

The hypothetical trade scenario outlined by ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell envisions the 49ers sending Jones along with their 2027 third-round draft pick to Minnesota in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a conditional 2027 fifth-round...