In a Monday interview with NFL Network, Jones indicated he does not sound like a player eager to be traded from the San Francisco 49ers. He emphasized the value of his relationship with Kyle Shanahan and the idea of reconnecting with people who see his potential, rather than signaling a desire to move on.
Jones filled in for Brock Purdy this past season, guiding San Francisco to a 5-3 record in 11 appearances. He completed 69.6% of his throws with 13 touchdowns, six interceptions, and an average of 7.4 yards per attempt, illustrating his viability as a mid-tier starter.
Despite the appeal Jones might hold for quarterback-needy teams, he remains under contract with the 49ers and carries a very affordable $3.98 million cap hit for 2026. NFL.com’s Nick Shook notes that San Francisco is unlikely to move him unless a rival offers an overwhelming package, given his value behind a healthy Purdy and Shanahan’s system.
Jones’ career profile includes a 25-32 record, with two seasons of eight-plus starts, plus a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie with the New England Patriots in 2021. He was the No. 15 overall pick in 2021, and the 49ers drafted Trey Lance at No. 3 in the same round, framing Jones as a valuable but non-blocking asset.
As for the Steelers, the article argues they are unlikely to meet a high trade price for Jones. Pittsburgh has pursued veteran options at a value, rather than blockbuster deals, in recent seasons, citing examples like Wilson’s 2024 contract footprint and Rodgers’ incentivized deal structure, along with a history of selective, cost-conscious moves at quarterback.
Ultimately, Jones may remain in San Francisco unless an extraordinary trade package changes the calculus. For now, the Steelers’ best path could be exploring affordable, short-term options while Rodgers remains a speculative possibility in the 2026 QB landscape. This summary reflects reporting from Heavy Sports and related NFL reporting.
