The Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as a serious suitor for Mac Jones, formally submitting a strong trade proposal to the San Francisco 49ers as quarterback discussions intensify across the league.
Jones rebuilt significant value during the 2025 season, stepping in when called upon and helping stabilize the 49ers offense.
His poise, experience, and system familiarity have made him an attractive option for teams seeking a more proven solution than a developmental draft pick.
For Pittsburgh, the motivation is clear. Rather than entering a quarterback search solely through the draft, the Steelers appear willing to acquire a passer with starting experience and upside.
League insiders suggest the organization views Jones as a player capable of competing immediately while still offering long-term potential.
From San Francisco’s standpoint, any move involving Jones would need to meaningfully strengthen another premium position.
The 49ers have consistently prioritized pass rush depth, particularly alongside Nick Bosa, and turning a backup quarterback into a defensive contributor could align with that philosophy.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed framework is structured as follows:
49ers Receive:
• 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 53 overall)
• Nick Herbig
Steelers Receive:
• Mac Jones
Herbig is coming off a breakout season that included 7.5 sacks and 45 total pressures, while leading the league in pass rush win rate. At just 24 years old, he represents a young, ascending edge presence who could immediately factor into San Francisco’s defensive rotation.
While talks remain in the exploratory stage, the presence of a defined offer signals legitimate intent from Pittsburgh. The decision now rests with San Francisco as it evaluates quarterback depth, roster balance, and whether converting Jones into pass-rush capital makes strategic sense for the upcoming season.
