Steelers Get Word From 49ers GM John Lynch On Exactly How To Acquire Mac Jones

It's becoming a bit redundant when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the organization's current quarterback situation. There likely aren't going to be any long-term solutions that come out of the 2026 league year, which provides more intrigue to a problem that has been ongoing in recent seasons. There are options outside of Aaron Rodgers if the team wants to figure something out sooner rather than later, but if the veteran wishes to come back and play in the Steel City, it is going to end up happening. There is no definitive answer just yet; however, the veteran has been in contact with General Manager Omar Khan.

There has been a lot of hype surrounding former sixth-round selection Will Howard, but expectations should seriously be tempered. He has yet to play a professional snap due to missing all of the 2025 preseason, and if Rodgers decides to not play for Pittsburgh in 2026, the team shouldn't simply be relying on Howard due to inexperience and the uknown regarding his play.

There's always a chance the Steelers shock fans and sign someone like Malik Willis in free agency, but Khan has also been an aggressive factor in the trade market in recent years. This is why no one should totally rule out the possibility of San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch receiving a call from the Steel City about backup signal-caller Mac Jones.

The reports in relation to Jones' potential availability have been all over the place. He would be set to receive a large contract in 2027 free agency, which would undoubtedly give the 49ers a third-round compensatory selection. Any offer that comes through is going to have to trump that and then some. 

According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, the 49ers are not in a hurry to trade Jones. In fact, Lynch noted while speaking to the media at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that he would essentially have to be blown away to deal the organization's backup quarterback.

"He's really good for us and we value that. And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider (trading him)," Lynch said. "And then I don't know what we do. Obviously there's always something that would make you (do it), but I think we're a better team with him on it and we just like having him around."

Connecting the dots, multiple third-round picks, or more, could be necessary to land someone like Jones. He played very well in Brock Purdy's absence in 2025, which likely earned him a big pay day at some point. If a franchise like the Steelers traded for him, it may very well give that organization a one-year evaluation period if a new contract isn't signed. Unfortunately, Lynch is playing hard ball and it won't be easy to acquire the former first-round selection.

The possibilities are endless for Khan and the Steelers. Jones should be part of the equation, but he won't be unless Rodgers gives word that he does not intend to play in 2026, or that he would like to compete elsewhere. If any team has the 2026 draft capital to put together an offer that Lynch would not be able to say no to, it very well might be the Steelers and Khan.

This thickens the plot for Pittsburgh. At one point, Lynch mentioned that he expected Jones to be a part of the roster for the 49ers in 2026. Now, he is opening the door for a franchise that would like to maybe offer a little bit more than market value for the quarterback. It certainly could get interesting for the Steelers if Rodgers ends up deciding that he is done playing in the Steel City.

Steelers Will Continue To Be Linked To Several Different Quarterbacks

The offseason routine of being connected to potentially-available signal-callers is becoming a normal occurrence in Pittsburgh. Until the organization finds its long-term solution at the position, rumors and possibilities alike will be thrown out into the open. Jones may have revived his career in San Francisco, and he just might be worth the dart throw.

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