The San Francisco 49ers didn’t add any new players in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, but they didn’t lose any either.

San Francisco traded back twice — first from No. 27 to No. 30, then from No. 30 to out of the first round at No. 33 — to pick up more draft capital and set themselves up nicely for the final two days of the draft. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that they also didn’t get any calls about their biggest trade piece: backup quarterback Mac Jones.

Advertisement

As such, Shanahan told reporters Thursday night that “I’d be real surprised if he’s not [a Niner]” in 2026.

“It also really surprised me that no one came and offered something,” Shanahan said, insinuating that he thought teams might offer a first-round pick for Jones. “But the fact that no one did doesn’t make me think someone’s going to do something tomorrow. And his value’s probably already passed anyway.”

The 49ers have been adamant about their feelings toward Jones — both in his trade value and his role on the roster. The former 2021 first-round pick, whom the 49ers signed to a two-year deal this past offseason, went 5-3 as a starter for the injured Brock Purdy and averaged 268.9 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Now, the 49ers maintained that they wanted at least a second-round pick for Jones. But that price appears to have been the lowest San Francisco would go for their backup. And, if Shanahan is to be believed, they likely won’t be parting with Jones for a second-rounder in 2026. Perhaps that’s because the 49ers have the biggest trade chip of the second round in the No. 33 pick — a selection they’re reportedly “very open” to trading away.

Advertisement

Shanahan and the 49ers see the inherent value of a competent backup quarterback who knows their offense well. They wouldn’t have made the playoffs with Jones’ steady hand, and he performed well enough to at least garner attention from other teams. That shouldn’t prevent the 49ers from listening to offers for picks in the 2027 draft, but Shanahan’s comments likely mean the Jones isn’t really for sale anymore.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers didn’t receive any offers for biggest trade chip