ESPN tabs ex-Patriots QB as trade candidate for Vikings

Story by

Story by
ESPN tabs ex-Patriots QB as trade candidate for Vikings

Lauren Campbell · MassLive

Tue, Feb 17, 2026 ·

2 min read

About Our Ads

Mac Jones showcased his ability to be a starting quarterback during the 2025 season when he filled in for eight games for the injured Brock Purdy .

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s name has come up in trade talks. And while it appears they have no plans to trade Jones , ESPN still put together a hypothetical move that has Jones leaving the Bay Area.

Bill Barnwell’s trade consisted of the 49ers trading Jones and a 2027 third-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 conditional fifth-round pick and a conditional 2028 third-round pick.

The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy , but his 2025 season left much to be desired. The quarterback went 6-4 with 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and 1,632 yards. McCarthy completed just 57.6% of his passes.

“It’s reasonable to say that McCarthy deserves more time, having started just 10 games during two seasons as a pro. Even if you’re making that argument, though, the Vikings need real competition for him in camp,” Barnwell wrote . “They also need a backup who can step in to play, given that McCarthy has missed 24 games over his first two years because of knee, concussion, hand and ankle injuries.”

In Purdy’s absence, Jones threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and went 5-3 in eight games as a starter for the 49ers.

Jones began his career as a starter for the New England Patriots . After a strong rookie season, the quarterback regressed the following two seasons. Jones’ time in New England ended on a sour note, with MassLive reporting the communication between the QB and then-coach Bill Belichick was nonexistent by the end of the 2023 season.

Jones spent 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars before he signed with San Francisco where he began to breathe life into his career again.

“I’ve proven I can be a starter,” Jones told “The Insiders.” “I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever. I know how to do it. But it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it.

“It’s definitely motivating for me,” he continued . “I feel I can do that. I have my swag back, and I feel like that’s important for me. I can go out there and win games for whoever.”

The 49ers like what they have in Jones and “ fully intend ” to bring the 27-year-old back as Purdy’s backup for the 2026 season.

More Patriots Content