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49ers Plan to Keep Mac Jones as Backup for 2026

2/8/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The San Francisco 49ers expect to retain Mac Jones for the 2026 season as Brock Purdy's backup.
Dianna Russini (ESPN) and Adam Schefter (ESPN) report the team prefers to keep Jones rather than trade him.
Jones posted a 5-3 record in 2025 with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
The 49ers have not pursued a trade and the situation remains fluid as teams inquire about his availability.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 NFL collective bargaining agreement (CBA) marked a significant shift in player contracts and team strategies, following a 130-day lockout due to disputes over revenue sharing and player safety. The new CBA, effective through 2021, raised the salary cap to $120.375 million and introduced a rookie wage scale, reflecting a trend towards valuing depth in rosters, as seen with Mac Jones's potential role as Brock Purdy's backup.

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Story summary

The San Francisco 49ers expect to retain Mac Jones for the 2026 season as Brock Purdy's backup.
Dianna Russini (ESPN) and Adam Schefter (ESPN) report the team prefers to keep Jones rather than trade him.
Jones posted a 5-3 record in 2025 with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
The 49ers have not pursued a trade and the situation remains fluid as teams inquire about his availability.

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