Overview
- The Minnesota Vikings contacted the San Francisco 49ers while searching for a quarterback before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, and ESPN reported the 49ers told Minnesota it would take a second‑round pick plus additional draft compensation for Mac Jones.
- Minnesota declined to meet that price and instead traded a 2027 third‑round pick to reacquire Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders.
- After talks with Minnesota stalled, Jones remained on the 49ers’ roster as Brock Purdy’s backup under a contract that runs through the 2026 season.
- Mac Jones’ market rise followed a productive 2025 stint filling in for an injured Purdy, when he went 5‑3 as a starter with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 97.4 passer rating.
- San Francisco’s high asking price reflects a belief that Jones can be franchise‑caliber and serves as insurance against losing a key depth piece, a stance that preserves draft assets and shapes how Jones’ impending free agency may play out.