Five Compelling Teams the 49ers can Trade Mac Jones to

If the 49ers want to trade Mac Jones, it makes the most sense for them to try to trade him to these five teams.

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

One topic of discussion that will revolve around the San Francisco 49ers for a significant portion of the offseason is whether or not to trade Mac Jones.

Kyle Shanahan said at his season-ending press conference that he’d be surprised to not see Jones back on the 49ers in 2026. However, things change, and Shanahan could’ve been posturing.

In any case, the 49ers trading Jones will remain on the table until the NFL draft has passed. Should the 49ers elect to trade Jones, there are five compelling teams they should consider. 

New York Jets

Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks to pass the ball against the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

One of the most quarterback-needy teams in the NFL is the Jets. It doesn’t look like they’ll be running it back with Justin Fields in 2026. 

Even if they did, they still don’t have a sufficient answer at the position. Jones can step in and immediately be that answer for them. 

The best part is that the Jets are picking No. 2 overall. Acquiring that pick will be impossible, but the 49ers can ascertain about the No. 2 pick in the second, the 34th overall pick. 

If the Jets were willing, the 49ers should take it. Keeping Jones is what I believe is the best move, but if the 49ers can get that, it’s worth letting him go to New York. 

Miami Dolphins

Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws a pass before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Speaking of quarterback-needy, the Dolphins are and aren’t one of them. They aren’t because they have Tua Tagovailoa, but they are because they have him.

The Dolphins are stuck with Tagovailoa thanks to the lucrative extension they gave him in the last couple of years. Still, they desperately need an upgrade at quarterback.

If the new regime under Coach Jeff Haffley wants Tagovailoa gone, then they’ll do it. It will open up the pathway to Jones and be enticing for the 49ers since Miami is picking No. 11 in every round. 

Arizona Cardinals

Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) looks to throw downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

This is a delusional trade destination for Jones. Teams rarely conduct business with division rivals, but are the Cardinals even considered that? Let’s be real: they’re a joke.

They’ve never been seriously threatened by Arizona. Now, giving them Jones would be a hookup. However, they know how to defend against Jones and would receive more than adequate compensation.

The Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick in every round, so a second-round offer from them should do the trick. It’s certainly a long shot, but the Cardinals are a team that makes sense for the 49ers to trade with. 

Atlanta Falcons

Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Falcons have been looking for an adequate starter since Matt Ryan left. They’ve failed miserably. Perhaps they can finally do it by trading for Jones.

Yes, they have Michael Penix, but he was taken by the last regime. They probably aren’t too fond of him. Plus, he’s working his way back from a torn ACL again. 

They need a new quarterback under new Coach Kevin Stefanski. He may like Jones to run his offense and be the steadying factor. Atlanta holds the No. 13 pick in the draft to entice the 49ers. 

Minnesota Vikings 

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Last, but not least, is the most obvious team — the Vikings. It was recently reported that they have Jones on their radar, which makes sense. 

They are the most playoff-ready team on this list and can offer the 49ers a great deal. Justin Jefferson is what fans would love to hear, but that won’t happen

It’s more likely for the 49ers to get a pick and Jordan Addison from the Vikings. Minnesota gets its quarterback, while the 49ers add draft capital and needed speed at receiver with Addison.

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