A week into free agency, Mac Jones remains with the San Francisco 49ers. Most teams have filled the quarterback spot for their respective teams.
The quarterback landscape is different seven days later. Justin Fields was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday morning. Kyler Murray signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Tua Tagovailoa is headed to Atlanta. Daniel Jones signed an extension to remain with the Colts, while Malik Willis joined the Miami Dolphins. The Jets also acquired Geno Smith.
The Arizona Cardinals appear content to tank. Of course, unless they believe 2026 is a breakout year for Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. The Raiders will likely use the No. 1 pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. That means we are down to essentially one suitor for Mac Jones, barring any surprises.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers once again. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport at the NFL Combine, Rodgers was supposed to make a decision before free agency. As recently as last week, Rapoport said it would be the Steelers or nothing for Rodgers.
Why the Steelers would trade for 49ers QB Mac Jones
So, if Rodgers decides to hang the cleats up, Pittsburgh would have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The Steelers will likely be linked to quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, like Ty Simpson. However, if they are not sold on any of the quarterbacks, that could open the door for a Mac Jones trade ahead of the draft.
The Steelers hold the 21st selection in the first round. They have picked No. 53, plus three third-round picks, thanks to trading George Pickens and a comp pick they acquired. If you don’t have a quarterback, parting ways with a second, or a combination of picks that add up to a second, isn’t far-fetched.
The closer the 49ers get to the draft, the astronomical asking price for Jones might come down. All of this hinges on Rodgers retiring, but that might be the final path to the 49ers trading Jones ahead of the 2026 season—or at least until there’s an injury or leading up to the trade deadline.
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