NFL Trade Rumors: Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons linked to 49ers’ $3.5M quarterback amid growing pre-deadline buzz

Mac Jones has quietly become one of the more interesting names in NFL trade chatter as the San Francisco 49ers continue shaping their quarterback room behind Brock Purdy. After stepping in during Purdy’s injury stretch last season and helping stabilise the offense, Jones has reportedly built enough value that San Francisco could consider moving him before the trade deadline.With rookie Kurtis Rourke earning internal praise and the 49ers viewing him as a cheaper long-term backup option, speculation has started building around whether Jones could be dealt for draft capital while his value remains high.

Which teams are interested in Mac Jones?

The Indianapolis Colts are one of the more logical fits. Their quarterback room remains unsettled, with uncertainty surrounding Anthony Richardson and questions about whether Daniel Jones can stay healthy and consistent.

Mac Jones could offer insurance and starting experience without forcing the Colts into a major financial commitment.Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have also been mentioned. After moving on from Kyler Murray, Arizona is in full transition mode with Gardner Minshew II and rookie Carson Beck. Adding Jones would give them a bridge option who still has upside as a starter.Additionally, the Atlanta Falcons round out the list. Despite bringing in Tua Tagovailoa, the long-term picture remains unclear, especially with Michael Penix Jr.

still developing. Jones could become a fallback if Atlanta’s quarterback competition turns messy.

What insiders are saying about the rumors?

Anthony Palacios of Last Word On Sports believes San Francisco’s quarterback room could create a real trade window for Mac Jones before the deadline. Palacios pointed out that the 49ers are growing increasingly confident in rookie Kurtis Rourke as a long-term backup option behind Brock Purdy. If that continues through training camp, San Francisco may feel comfortable moving Jones for draft capital rather than keeping him as an expensive QB2.He also noted that the team’s earlier “astronomical” asking price could soften, making a midseason deal much more realistic.

Contract details and salary cap implications

Mac Jones signed a two-year, $7 million contract with San Francisco, carrying an average annual value of $3.5 million. His 2026 cap hit is $3.13 million, while his cash payout this season is $3.55 million.That makes him one of the more affordable experienced backups in the league. For teams like Indianapolis, Arizona, or Atlanta, acquiring Jones would mean getting a quarterback with playoff and starting experience at a low cap cost.

For San Francisco, moving him could free up space and add draft assets while fully committing to Rourke as Purdy’s long-term backup.

How could the trade impact both teams?

For the 49ers, trading Jones would signal confidence in their quarterback depth and allow them to cash in on a player whose value may never be higher. For a team like the Indianapolis Colts or Atlanta Falcons, it could solve immediate depth issues without forcing a long-term gamble. Arizona, meanwhile, could use Jones as a stopgap while letting Beck develop at a slower pace.With the trade deadline still months away, this is one storyline worth watching closely.