Steelers Eye Mac Jones: Trade Price Tag Revealed
As the NFL offseason kicks into full gear following the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, teams around the league are already plotting their moves for 2026. With the quarterback carousel spinning again, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams actively searching for their next signal-caller. Among the quarterbacks being rumored for a potential move, Mac Jones, currently with the San Francisco 49ers, has emerged as a viable target for Pittsburgh.
Steelers' Potential Interest in Mac Jones
After the Pittsburgh Steelers struggled to find consistent quarterback play, the team has been linked to multiple quarterbacks in both free agency and via trade. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports highlighted the Steelers as a potential suitor for Jones, speculating that the former first-round pick could be acquired for a third-round pick. This could be an attractive move for Pittsburgh, as they continue to navigate their quarterback situation in 2026.
Jones, who is still only 27 years old, could be seen as a prime candidate for a career revival, similar to the trajectory of Sam Darnold, who completed his own redemption story by winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks. Jones' current cap hit for 2026 is just over $3 million, which makes him an affordable option for teams looking to improve their quarterback situation without breaking the bank.
Mac Jones' Career and 2025 Season Performance
Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft but was traded to the 49ers prior to the 2025 season. His time in San Francisco has seen some ups and downs, but he showed glimpses of promise during the 2025 season. Jones started eight games for the 49ers, throwing 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He helped lead the 49ers to five wins, showcasing his potential when given a chance to lead the offense.
Despite some inconsistencies, Jones has the pedigree and the experience to thrive in the right system. His ability to make accurate throws and manage the game has been praised by many, and his youthful age means he still has plenty of time to turn things around if placed in the right situation.
49ers' Position on Jones: Trade or Keep?
Despite the rumors swirling around Jones' potential trade, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly expressed a preference for keeping both Jones and their incumbent starter, Brock Purdy. According to Adam Schefter, the 49ers are not actively looking to move Jones, indicating that they are content with their quarterback room for now.
However, history has shown that teams often say one thing and do another when it comes to trade talks. The 49ers may be using the public stance of keeping both quarterbacks as a strategy to drive up the price for a potential trade. Given Jones' relatively low cap hit for 2026, it's likely that a team could acquire him without significant financial burden, making him a tempting option for clubs in need of a quarterback.
What Would a Mac Jones Trade Mean for the Steelers?
If the Steelers were to acquire Jones, it could be the solution they've been searching for since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. With Jones, Pittsburgh would add a quarterback who has shown flashes of promise but needs the right environment to unlock his full potential. The Steelers' coaching staff, led by Mike Tomlin, could be the perfect group to help Jones develop into a more consistent starter.
Additionally, Jones' relatively low cap hit would allow Pittsburgh to make other moves to improve their roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where they've historically excelled. With a strong defense already in place, Jones could be the missing piece for the Steelers as they look to return to playoff contention.
Conclusion: Steelers Remain a Team to Watch in QB Market
The Mac Jones trade rumors are something to keep an eye on as the offseason continues to unfold. While the 49ers have made it clear they prefer to keep Jones, it's possible that they could entertain offers if the price is right. For the Steelers, acquiring a quarterback like Jones could provide the stability and potential they need to build a more competitive roster in 2026.
With a relatively affordable price tag, Jones could be a valuable addition to the Steelers' roster. Whether or not they pull the trigger on this trade remains to be seen, but it's clear that Pittsburgh is committed to finding the right quarterback to lead them back to playoff contention in the near future.
Will Mac Jones be the answer to the Steelers' quarterback dilemma? Stay tuned as more developments in this offseason story continue to unfold.