March 24, 2026, 10:12 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the few teams still searching for answers at quarterback heading into the NFL Draft. With Aaron Rodgers continuing to be elusive about a potential return, veteran Mason Rudolph and second-year quarterback Will Howard currently sit atop the depth chart, leaving plenty of uncertainty.
That uncertainty has opened the door for outside-the-box ideas, including a potential trade for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones. The idea was floated on SiriusXM NFL Radio’s “Airing It Out,” where analysts debated whether Pittsburgh would consider moving a Day 2 pick.
“How about this? Would you, and I think that time is come and gone for this, unless something happened with the Steelers for some reason. Yeah. Would you give up a second-round pick for Mac Jones?” Bill Lekas asked.
Matt Sims didn’t dismiss the idea outright, especially when factoring in Pittsburgh’s situation and coaching structure.
“Mac Jones, Steelers, second-round pick with Mike McCarthy. I would consider it. I don’t say that it’s like a ‘Oh, yep. Definitely taking it right now. Close it.’ But I would definitely put that in high consideration. Yes. Because I do think Mac Jones really has proven again that he is an NFL-caliber starter in this league.”
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Jones’ 2025 season supports that claim. After Brock Purdy suffered a severe turf toe injury in Week 1 that sidelined him for a dozen games, Jones stepped in and helped stabilize the 49ers. He went 5-3 as a starter, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions while keeping the team afloat in the playoff race.
“Especially from the Niners’ standpoint, I understand the high asking price. He was invaluable to them last year. They don’t make the playoffs without Mac Jones playing the way he did when he had to play,” Lekas added.
From a fit standpoint, there is logic here. McCarthy has a long track record working with elite quarterbacks like Rodgers and Brett Favre, and his system could help maximize Jones’ strengths as a rhythm passer.
For Pittsburgh, the appeal is simple. Trading for Jones could eliminate the need to spend one of their draft picks on a quarterback. With a dozen selections, the most in franchise history, the Steelers have flexibility. The question is whether they are willing to use it on a proven, but still polarizing, option like Jones.