Ranking Backup QBs Who Could Be Traded During the 2026 NFL Season

No. 5: Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers 1 of 5 AP Photo Mac Jones has been the constant target of trade rumors this offseason, with the quarterback himself recently addressing them by saying "anything's possible" when asked about the potential to be moved during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. It's hardly a surprise that he's a hot trade target, given the strong stretch of play he put on tape when given the opportunity last year. Things looked bleak for the San Francisco 49ers when it was revealed that they would be without Brock Purdy for an extended stretch due to injury. Despite not having their starting quarterback for much of the 2025 campaign's first half, the team remained in contention and ultimately made the playoffs thanks to Jones' impressive turn under center. After being cast aside by both the New England Patriots—the team that took him in the first round of the 2021 draft—and Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones showed that he still has the stuff to be a starter in the NFL. The signal-caller completed an impressive 69.6 percent of his throws for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading San Francisco to a 5-3 record across eight starts. Jones became the latest quarterback to study under renowned 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, benefiting from his tutelage and innovative system. San Francisco has been a Super Bowl contender for much of the coach's nine years at the helm largely thanks to his ability to maximize the talent of his passers and put them in a position to succeed. While Jones finally fared well in the Bay Area after several shaky years in the league, teams may be leery about trading for the 28-year-old. He had ample opportunity to put it all together in both New England and Jacksonville—starting 46 games over his first four NFL seasons—but never emerged as a consistent, quality performer outside of a promising rookie year.