As the NFL trade deadline creeps closer, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves at the center of a familiar debate: what to do with backup quarterback Mac Jones. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the price for any team looking to pry Jones away from the Bay Area would be steep—likely a Day 2 pick, per ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano. With Brock Purdy playing at an MVP level and the 49ers sitting at 3-0 on September 30, 2026, the idea of trading away such valuable insurance seems far-fetched. But as the old adage goes, “never say never” in the NFL.
The Price Tag: A Day 2 Pick
In a recent true-or-false segment, Fowler and Graziano dissected the quarterback trade market. While J.J. McCarthy’s name swirls in rumors, the big fish is Jones. The 49ers have publicly stated they aren’t interested in dealing him, and Fowler believes it would take “real draft capital—perhaps a Day 2 pick—to get in the door.” That means a second- or third-round selection, a hefty price for a backup. But for a desperate team eyeing a playoff push, it might be worth it. As Fowler noted, “For a team to part ways with a second- or third-round pick in this draft would mean they think they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this year.”
Why the 49ers Should Hold Firm
San Francisco’s reluctance makes sense. Purdy, an MVP candidate, missed seven games last season, and Jones filled in admirably, showcasing why he’s one of the league’s best backups. With an aging roster built to win now, the 49ers can’t afford to be caught without a capable starter if Purdy goes down again. As highlighted on Vulius, the team’s Super Bowl window remains open, and depth at quarterback is a luxury few contenders can afford to lose. Unless a team blows them away with an offer, expect Jones to stay put.
Injury Woes: The 49ers’ Achilles’ Heel
When asked which team’s injury issues were most concerning, ESPN’s insiders pointed to the 49ers—but with an asterisk. “The easy answer is the 49ers, but they’re 3-0 and deal with this every year, so I don’t think it’s them,” Fowler said. He added, “If San Francisco can survive the season with its core players remotely healthy, there’s no reason why it can’t be in the thick of the playoff race in January.” That core includes Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner. But already, Williams, Evans, and Bosa are banged up, and the impact is palpable.
The Bosa and Evans Effect
Nick Bosa’s presence was glaringly obvious in Week 3. Without him, the defense struggled to get off the field—the Rams ran 57 plays, the Dolphins 56, and the Cardinals 81. Bosa has single-handedly ended drives, and his absence would be devastating. On offense, Mike Evans has become Purdy’s go-to target, seeing targets on half his routes against Arizona. Losing Evans, even for a game or two, will test Kyle Shanahan’s schematic brilliance. As one insider put it, “At some point, your dudes have to be better than theirs. That’s who Evans is and why you sign him.”
Looking Ahead
The 49ers’ 3-0 start is impressive, but the injuries are mounting. The coming weeks against upper-echelon defenses like Denver and Seattle will reveal whether San Francisco’s depth can hold up. If they can weather the storm, they’ll be a force come January. But if not, the Mac Jones trade chatter will only intensify. For now, the 49ers seem content to keep their insurance policy—unless someone meets their price. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees it, that’s a smart bet.
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