As many predicted, the San Francisco 49ers bounced back and returned to the playoffs this season. Still, as general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan know, nothing is guaranteed from year to year.
The changes are sure to impact the 49ers again. They could also trade a Pro Bowl player who contributed heavily to their success in 2025.
While offseason discussions so far indicate that the 49ers do not want to trade Mac Jones, who led the team to a 5-3 record this season. That mindset can change.
according to athletic"Stars may align" for 49ers to trade Matt Barrows, Jones.
"Still, circumstances are shaping up to make it an offer that may be hard to refuse."
Several teams may be interested in taking a gamble on Jones becoming the starting quarterback. It helps that Jones has spent a season mastering Kyle Shanahan's playbook, and many teams run a similar offense.
Barrows estimates that teams that might be interested in trading for the former first-round pick include the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.
The Cardinals just hired Mike LaFleur, who spent four seasons coaching under Shanahan in San Francisco. Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slovic spent six seasons coaching under Shanahan. Meanwhile, the Vikings use concepts in Shanahan's offense that Kevin O'Connell has adopted over the years.
Any of the three teams would make sense if the price is right this offseason. But the 49ers also have to be willing to listen.
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