Barnwell proposes Mac Jones trade the 49ers might not be able to refuse “Vikings get: QB Mac Jones, 2027 third-round pick. 49ers get: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick (conditional), 2028 third-round pick (conditional). “The 2027 conditional pick would trigger based on Jones’ playing time with the Vikings,” Barnwell explained. “If he starts four games in 2026, the Vikings send a fifth-round pick out west. If Jones starts 12 games, that gets upped to a third-rounder. And then, if Jones re-signs
with the Vikings after the 2026 season and starts at least one game for the Vikings in 2027, the 49ers would land another third-round pick.”
49ers insider identifies two potential salary-cap cut candidates
“Huff and Robinson fall into the same category: 2025 acquisitions who didn’t live up to expectations,” Barrows wrote. “Huff, who’s due to earn $17 million, finished with just four sacks and none after Week 7….Robinson, meanwhile, had ample opportunities for a major role in the passing attack due to all the injuries to 49ers pass catchers, but ended up with just 276 receiving yards, seventh best on the team,” Barrows noted.
“Both play positions of need for the 49ers, meaning that despite their underwhelming 2025 campaigns, they could be back,” Barrows added. “It’s possible the team approaches Huff about restructuring his contract.”
49ers free agency: 5 backup QB options if Mac Jones is traded
“Entering his 19th season and still having a desire to play, Flacco could be the perfect stopgap veteran. He started for Cleveland last season and struggled before being dealt to Cincinnati.
Despite the Bengals’ defensive liabilities, Flacco threw for 15 touchdowns and nearly 2,500 yards. Still has a gunslinger mentality and is a statue in the pocket, but given his savvy and experience, he can more than hold the fort for the 49ers.”
49ers’ quandary heading into free agency: Who should stay and who should go? (Paywall)
“The 49ers should sign Hennessy to another multi-year deal. Brendel isn’t signed beyond 2026 and Hennessy could be a very affordable heir apparent. Hennessy, who has made 24 career starts in six seasons, doesn’t have an eye-popping resume, but he has the movement skills and smarts Shanahan prizes in the position. He’s similar to Brendel, who was even less heralded. Brendel made three starts in his first six seasons before becoming the 49ers’ starter in 2022.”
