Mac Jones news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
49ers backup Mac Jones may be traded after Kurtis Rourke's dazzling preseason debut. A trade could reshape quarterback depth before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Background
Mac Jones, a 2021 first-round pick, served as the 49ers' backup quarterback last season, making nine starts in place of Brock Purdy and ranking second in the NFL in completion percentage. The 49ers reportedly sought at least a second-round pick for him, but no team met that price. Kurtis Rourke, the third-string quarterback, impressed in the preseason opener, potentially increasing the likelihood of a trade before the deadline.
How it unfolded
- Apr 2026NFL draft passed without a serious trade offer for Mac Jones; head coach Kyle Shanahan sounded disappointed.
- Aug 13, 2026Kurtis Rourke started the preseason opener with Brock Purdy and Mac Jones out, delivering a dazzling performance.
- Aug 19, 2026Reports suggest Rourke's debut increased odds that the 49ers will trade Mac Jones before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Rourke's strong play could make Jones expendable, opening the door for a trade.
- Team
- The 49ers reportedly want at least a second-round pick for Jones, a price no team has met.
Still unverified
The reported asking price of at least a second-round pick for Mac Jones is unconfirmed.