The San Francisco 49ers appear unlikely to trade backup quarterback Mac Jones ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but general manager John Lynch isn't completely ruling out the possibility.
As the 49ers (6-1) prepare to return from their Week 8 bye and host the Las Vegas Raiders (4-4) on Sunday, Lynch addressed Jones' future during an appearance on KNBR.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area shared Lynch's comments Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We’d have to be really motivated to move Mac (Jones), a situation where it makes too much sense. … But we’re very comfortable with keeping Mac.”
Lynch's comments suggest San Francisco would need a significant offer to part with Jones before the Nov. 10 deadline. The 49ers have good reason to value their quarterback depth after Jones proved capable of stepping in for Brock Purdy during the 2025 season.
Jones appeared in 11 games and made eight starts last season, completing 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also posted a career-high 97.4 passer rating while leading San Francisco to a 5-3 record as a starter.
49ers remain comfortable keeping Mac Jones behind Brock Purdy
The 28-year-old has not attempted a pass through seven games this season, with Purdy remaining healthy as San Francisco's starter. Jones' only regular-season action came on two rushing attempts for minus-2 yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
Trade speculation surrounding Jones has persisted because of his starting experience and the quarterback injuries that have affected teams around the NFL. Lynch previously emphasized the importance of having Jones available behind Purdy, describing quarterback as a position where San Francisco wants to remain well insulated.
That stance has not changed much with the deadline approaching.
While Lynch stopped short of declaring Jones untouchable, his latest comments indicate the 49ers will not move their backup quarterback simply to make a deal. An interested team would have to present an offer compelling enough for San Francisco to sacrifice proven insurance behind Purdy.
The 49ers will return to action against the Raiders on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT.