Overview
- Bleacher Report proposed on Oct. 6 that Tampa Bay could trade a conditional 2027 third-round pick for Jones with the pick escalating based on starts.
- The Buccaneers dropped to 0-4 after Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb on Sept. 28, leaving rookie Jalon Daniels to start while Mayfield recovers.
- San Francisco has publicly treated Jones as valuable depth and has reportedly told suitors it may seek as much as a second-round pick rather than a low third.
- Jones revived his stock by starting eight games for the 49ers in 2025 and going 5-3 with 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, a track record that fuels interest despite his likely 2027 free-agent status.
- Trading real draft capital for a short-term starter is risky for an 0-4 club because Jones could leave in free agency and the 49ers would lose quarterback insurance, so the next signs to watch are any formal offers and injury trends leaguewide before the trade deadline.