The Miami Dolphins‘ pathway to a future at quarterback could go any number of different directions.

New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan recently spoke about examples of his quarterback philosophy and invoked names that teams added via the draft, free agency, and via trade. Some Dolphins fans have their eyes set on potentially signing Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis in free agency next month. Others have their hopes set on a high-potential 2027 quarterback class in the NFL Draft. But that trade option still lingers, too. ESPN insider Adam Schefter, in the buildup to this weekend’s Super Bowl, did seem to throw some cold water on one possibility up that avenue, however — he seemingly slammed the door shut on one possible target being available altogether.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter emphatically states San Francisco 49ers backup QB Mac Jones is staying put

“You brought up Mac Jones? He’s not getting traded. That is not going to happen. Not gonna happen.”

— ESPN’s Adam Schefter on 49ers QB Mac Jones’ availability this offseason

The segment in question is dedicated to exploring quarterback options for the Minnesota Vikings, who are in the market for some competition for their own young quarterback, JJ McCarthy. But the talking point it still absolutely relevant to Miami, who has a Kyle Shanahan disciple at offensive coordinator in the form of Bobby Slowik under new head coach Jeff Hafley.

There’s no question that Miami will explore all of their options. Jones could have been an intriguing one — and one that came with minimal financial risk as a trade target from San Francisco. But the 49ers, who have big ambitions this offseason and have their own quarterback with some injury troubles in Brock Purdy, seem intent on holding on to their insurance policy. Schefter did give some wiggle room at the end of the segment for things to change.

“Listen, anything is always possible. There are no absolutes. (But) zero plans to (trade Mac Jones),” concluded Schefter.

If Miami was interested in exploring a low cost trade option at quarterback, they can presumably strike Jones off their list of options. The Dolphins should be expected to be in the market of adding more draft picks thanks to Sullivan’s emphasis on building through the draft, not trading picks away to convince teams to ship away quarterbacks they’d really rather keep.

Potential QB trade targets for the Dolphins

New Orleans QB Spencer Rattler
Tennessee QB Will Levis
Atlanta QB Kirk Cousins
Indianapolis QB Anthony Richardson