The Pittsburgh Steelers could be eyeing a future beyond Aaron Rodgers. A trade proposal crafted by Heavy’s Owen Crisafulli has Pittsburgh acquiring former New England Patriots Pro Bowl quarterback Mac Jones from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The deal would give the Steelers a potential long-term signal-caller while Rodgers handles the 2026 season on his one-year contract.
Rodgers signed with the Steelers on Saturday, giving Pittsburgh a proven veteran for the short term. But the franchise still lacks a clear-cut answer at the game’s most important position beyond this season. That’s where Jones enters the picture.
Why Mac Jones Makes Sense for Pittsburgh
Jones is an intriguing option for the Steelers, as he showed himself well in 2025 with the 49ers while filling in for Brock Purdy. The former first-round pick out of Alabama has starting experience in the league and earned a Pro Bowl selection during his time in New England. At just 27 years old, Jones represents a bridge between the Rodgers era and whatever comes next.
Looking at the tape from his 2025 fill-in stint, Jones demonstrated improved decision-making and a willingness to take what the defense gives him. That’s exactly the kind of quarterback who can thrive in a system that leans on play-action and a strong running game. Pittsburgh‘s offensive identity under coordinator Arthur Smith fits that mold.
The Cost and the Calculus
Giving up a second-round pick in the 2027 draft is still a pretty high price to pay, but if the Steelers can find their way back to the playoffs, that pick could land in the 50s, making it a bit easier to stomach. The 49ers would absorb Jones’ $7 million cap hit in the deal, which aligns with the financial structure described in the proposal.
From a salary cap perspective, this is a manageable move. Pittsburgh currently has flexibility to absorb Jones’ deal without restructuring other contracts. The Steelers’ front office has been aggressive in recent years about finding value at quarterback, and trading a future second-rounder for a player with Jones’ pedigree and remaining upside is exactly the kind of calculated risk that defines modern NFL roster building.
Key Developments
- Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, May 16, 2026, establishing the short-term plan at quarterback
- Mac Jones earned a Pro Bowl selection during his tenure with the New England Patriots, demonstrating top-tier performance at his peak
- Jones filled in for Brock Purdy during the 2025 season with the 49ers, showing he can still perform at a high level in a starting role
- The proposed trade would send a 2027 second-round draft pick from Pittsburgh to San Francisco in exchange for Jones
- Jones carries a $7 million cap hit that the 49ers would absorb as part of the trade structure
What This Means for Pittsburgh’s QB Room
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback depth chart has been a revolving door since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Rodgers stops the bleeding for 2026, but he’ll be 42 years old and has already signaled this could be his final season. Jones, meanwhile, would arrive with something to prove after being benched in New England and serving as a backup in San Francisco.
There’s a counterargument here worth acknowledging. Jones’ tenure in New England ended badly, and his confidence appeared shattered during his final Patriots season. Banking on a quarterback who lost his starting job twice is inherently risky. But the Steelers have a track record of getting productive years out of quarterbacks in the right system, and Jones’ 2025 film suggests he’s rediscovered some of the poise that made him a first-round pick.
If Pittsburgh pulls the trigger on this deal, the quarterback competition heading into 2027 would feature Jones as the presumptive starter with Rodgers either retired or moving on. That’s a far more stable outlook than what the Steelers have had in recent years. The front office brass clearly sees the value in planning ahead rather than scrambling at the position year after year.
Who would the Steelers trade for Mac Jones?
According to the proposal from Heavy’s Owen Crisafulli, the Pittsburgh Steelers would send a second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for quarterback Mac Jones.
What is Mac Jones’ contract situation?
Mac Jones carries a $7 million cap hit that the 49ers would absorb as part of the proposed trade structure, making the financial burden manageable for Pittsburgh’s salary cap.
How did Mac Jones perform in 2025?
Jones filled in for Brock Purdy during the 2025 season with the 49ers and showed he could still perform at a high level in a starting role, according to the trade proposal analysis.
Why do the Steelers need a long-term quarterback?
Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, meaning the franchise has no clear-cut starter beyond the 2026 season. The Steelers have lacked stability at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
Was Mac Jones a Pro Bowl quarterback?
Yes, Mac Jones earned a Pro Bowl selection during his time with the New England Patriots, demonstrating he has performed at an elite level in the NFL.
