NFL Trade Rumors: $23M San Francisco 49ers QB could help strengthen Tampa Bay Buccaneers amid Baker Mayfield’s injury and long absence (Image via Pinterest: San Francisco 49ers logo and Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo)
In early June 2026, Baker Mayfield wanted a contract extension before the 2026 NFL season even began. He got his wish fulfilled in September 2026 – when signed a massive three-year, $165 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield considered himself a franchise quarterback in the 2026 offseason. But in the first three games of the 2026 season, he suffered a dislocated thumb. As per NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers QB is expected to miss 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly he can grip the football. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels played in a Week 4 loss against the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay could acquire Mac Jones in exchange for a conditional 2027 third-round pick. He stepped up for Brock Purdy after the 25-year-old highest-paid quarterback suffered a season-ending injury early in 2025. Mac Jones took over as the starter and recorded over 2,100 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, with a career-high passer rating of 97.4 in 8 games. As a starter, he went 5–3. Much better than 0-4. The 28-year-old QB was a 2021 first-round, 15th-overall pick out of Alabama. His current San Francisco 49ers contract pays him $3.55 million in 2026, with additional incentives available. Whatever they decide, they have very little time to reverse their 0-4 record, especially with the trade deadline approaching faster than ever – November 10. Category Details Player Name Mac Jones Current Franchise San Francisco 49ers Proposed Landing Spot Tampa Bay Buccaneers Contract Status 2026 is the last year of his 2025 contract. Contract Value He signed a two-year, $8.41 million contract, including a $2.14 million signing bonus and $4.75 million in guaranteed money, with an average annual income of $4.2 million. Cap Hit and Dead Cap Value In 2026, he is scheduled to earn a $1.4 million base salary, $1.41 million signing bonus, a $300,000 restructure bonus, and $100,000 workout bonus while carrying a $3.13 million cap hit and a $5 million dead cap value. Years Left On The Contract UFA [unrestricted free agent] in 2027, zero years left. Career Earnings $23 million over six NFL seasons with three teams [New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers]. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Because he proved last year that he could stay healthy for an extended period [as much as is expected from him], jones is a reliable option.
He could play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and become one of those “bust-to-hero” stories analysts often mention alongside Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Daniel Jones. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have to play for at least three weeks without Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers currently have four losses and zero wins. They may want someone to save the franchise before it’s too late. That’s where Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggests a San Francisco 49ers quarterback for them: Mac Jones. Brock Purdy is healthy and rocking with four wins. He may stay that way if everything goes well. But Mac Jones is sitting on the bench, patiently waiting for his turn to show up. The Buccaneers are already facing a season-defining quarterback crisis. A trade for San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones could provide that much-needed solution. What are they waiting for? Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggests a trade offer for the Buccaneers. The pick could rise depending on Jones’ starts and Tampa Bay’s success. Isn’t that promising enough for the Buccaneers? He spent his first three NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, where the pressure was super-duper high – especially after Tom Brady left and Cam Newton was let go. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Mac Jones was expected to step into the shoes of Tom Brady, the legendary Patriots quarterback – so he knows what constant pressure sounds and feels like. He could take it all in at Tampa Bay – coincidentally, a franchise where his predecessor, Tom Brady, also played! Plus, financial flexibility matters. The Buccaneers invested heavily in Baker Mayfield, so they may want to explore cheaper options. That is where Jones could fit in. And he is scheduled to become a free agent next offseason. This makes him an interesting short-term option for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers could rest Baker Mayfield while he recovers from a thumb injury, utilizing Jones as a bridge QB. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.