5 49ers Most Likely to Be Traded in 2026

In this story:
The San Francisco 49ers roster is set, but they will never be done maneuvering and trying to improve the room. There are a few players on the roster that the team could end up trading before the end of the season. Who is most likely to be dealt?
5 San Francisco 49ers most likely to get traded in 2026
Mac Jones
This one is obvious. Before the preseason, the team wanted to hold on to Jones because he was such a strong backup. However, Kurtis Rourke looked strong in the preseason, and the team kept him on the 53-man roster. That makes them more likely to move on from Jones before he leaves in free agency.
If another team loses their quarterback during the season, he will be on his way out.
Deebo Samuel
The reunion is fun but could be short-lived. Samuel was signed because the depth was so thin. However, De’Zhaun Stribling appears to have stepped up as a strong option next to Mike Evans. Demarcus Robinson is a strong veteran option, and if Jordan Watkins can emerge in his second season, it would make Samuel expendable. If he produces with Kyle Shanahan for a few games and they grab a late pick for the signing, it is a huge win.

Alfred Collins
If the 49ers called Tampa Bay for Vita Vea, they almost certainly dangled Alfred Collins out there. It makes sense when you consider he is a former second-round pick, but defensive coordinator Raheem Morris did not draft him.
The team kept rookies Gracen Halton and James Thompson. They also added Osa Odighizuwa this offseason. Those three are Morris additions and might push the other two into more limited roles. If they can get value for a player who does not quite fit what he wants, they will take it.
Tatum Bethune
Bethune was competing for a roster spot this preseason but was so good the team could not move on. He is entering his third year, and if Nick Martin comes back, they have two linebackers who are older and two who are younger. He starts to become expendable.
Jack Jones
Jones was signed to push Renardo Green. So far, Green has responded to the challenge. The team also has Ephesians Prysock ascending as depth. If they trust those two and a team needs a cornerback, they would be crazy not to listen to offers on Jones.
-098085146cb7ea5904a23bd8df0a653d.jpeg)
Parker Hurley is a Pittsburgh native and IUP alumni with a deep-rooted passion for football and a decade of experience analyzing the game. Since 2016, he had extensively covered the Chicago Bears, serving as the site manager for Bear Goggles On from 2017 to 2023. During that time, Parker published hundreds of articles per month and led content strategy across written, audio, and video formats. Parker has also produced podcasts, blogs, and YouTube content focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL betting trends, and league-wide analysis. His work blends film breakdowns, statistical insight, and timely news reaction to deliver clear, actionable content for fans and bettors alike. Now, Parker contributes NFL coverage across multiple platforms, expanding his scope to include teams like the San Francisco 49ers and broader NFL narratives. Whether he’s analyzing rookie development or evaluating playoff contenders, Parker’s top priority is helping readers understand the game on a deeper level. He brings passion, clarity, and consistency to everything he writes, always aiming to educate, engage, and elevate the football conversation.
Follow parkerhurley