49ers’ Trade Move Sends Mac Jones to NFC West Rival
The San Francisco 49ers managed to overcome a significant number of injuries during the previous season, ultimately advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs. A key factor in their success was the performance of quarterback Mac Jones, who stepped in for the injured Brock Purdy and made eight starts. His ability to keep the offense moving played a crucial role in the team’s resilience.
When Purdy is healthy, the 49ers will naturally return to him as their starting quarterback. However, Jones demonstrated that he can hold his own as a starter. This performance has drawn interest from other teams looking to acquire him, and the 49ers are open to exploring trade options. With this in mind, let’s examine a potential trade that could send Jones to one of the 49ers’ division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals.
49ers Deal Mac Jones to Cardinals in New Trade Pitch
Under this proposed trade:
- 49ers receive: A 2026 third-round pick (No. 65) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 183)
- Cardinals receive: QB Mac Jones
Jones had a difficult time with the New England Patriots and struggled with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. He found a new opportunity with the 49ers in 2025, where he served as Purdy’s backup. He was needed frequently, and by the end of the season, Jones put together some solid performances. His statistics showed that he is capable of being an NFL starter (201/289, 2,151 YDS, 13 TD, 6 INT).
On the other hand, the Cardinals are in need of a new starting quarterback after releasing Kyler Murray early in the offseason. They signed Gardner Minshew IV to compete with Jacoby Brissett for the starting job, but they need a younger quarterback with more upside. At only 27 years old, there is reason to believe that Jones still has untapped potential, making him an attractive trade target.
The Asking Price and Potential for a Deal
Reports suggest that the 49ers are asking for a first-round pick for Jones, which has led to very little momentum in trade discussions. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the 49ers may lower their asking price to facilitate a deal. Receiving a high third-round pick from the Cardinals, along with a sixth-round pick, could be seen as a good move, especially considering the 49ers signed Jones on a low-cost contract last offseason.
Would the 49ers and Cardinals Be Interested in This Trade?
Jones, a former first-round pick, clearly has the talent to succeed in the NFL. Even when working with a weakened receiving corps in San Francisco last season, Jones consistently found ways to make things work. While he may not be the best quarterback in the league, he could help a team like Arizona become a playoff contender if things go according to plan.
The Cardinals currently lack a clear plan at the quarterback position. With no top-tier quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft besides Fernando Mendoza, this isn’t the best year for the team to find its future quarterback. At the very least, Jones could serve as a bridge to that player while offering more upside than either Brissett or Minshew. The 49ers aren’t getting a first-round pick for Jones, but if they do trade him, this seems like a solid return.
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