Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Aidan O'Connell

Tuesday, March 3, 6:45 AM

The San Francisco 49ers aren't financially motivated to move backup quarterback Mac Jones, who played at a high level in eight starts last year while filling in for an injured Brock Purdy. Jones also has a $3.07 million salary cap hit, and Purdy has missed time with injuries in all four of his seasons. However, it might be hard for the Niners to resist turning a budget-friendly free-agent pickup into a second-round pick. The Athletic's Jeff Howe suggests that San Fran "could rightfully be stubborn and hold out for a first-round offer." If a team strikes out in free agency and the NFL draft, it could circle back with the 49ers on Jones. The 49ers will likely only deal Jones if they receive an offer they can't refuse, and it's hard to imagine anyone offering a first-rounder for Jones, even if he did play well in 2025. With so many veteran QB options likely to be floating around on the open market this offseason, Jones' trade market right now isn't very strong.