10
Loading video...
By Jordan Sigler
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The San Francisco 49ers have two starting-caliber quarterbacks on their roster with Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, and the team was willing to part with Jones before the trade deadline on Tuesday but for a hefty price.
The Minnesota Vikings were expected to explore for quarterback help amid Kyler Murray's Grade 2 hamstring strain. The Vikings have a championship-level defense, but could use better quarterback play for a boost before the playoffs. Certainly after Carson Wentz's performance in the Vikings' 23-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, the need became more apparent for first-year general manager Nolan Teasley.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the 49ers gave the Vikings a serious offer for Jones. San Francisco was willing to trade Jones, but they wanted at least a second-round pick for a quarterback that went 5-3 last season amid Purdy's turf toe injury.
Read More on NFL
More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers
...
More News: Vikings Front Office ‘Doesn’t Like’ Their 1st-Round Rookie ‘At All’
"The San Francisco 49ers left no doubt how much they value quarterback Mac Jones," Schefter and Rapoport wrote. "When the Vikings called San Francisco as part of due diligence in their search for a quarterback, sources told ESPN that Niners general manager John Lynch informed Minnesota brass that it would take a second-round pick and more for Jones.
"Perhaps a second-rounder and a middle-round pick might have gotten a trade done. Instead, because of the high cost associated with the veteran quarterback, the conversations ended there and Jones remains a valued member of the 49ers."
Per ESPN, the 49ers received similar inquiries for Jones before the Vikings, and Lynch sent the same offer. San Francisco only wanted to trade Jones if they received an offer too good to turn down. Having a solid backup option at quarterback can be critical for a Super Bowl contender, as evidenced by what happened to the Denver Broncos last season.
Still, Jones is set to become a free agent in 2027.
As for the Vikings, Minnesota sent the Las Vegas Raiders a 2027 third-round pick for Kirk Cousins. Cousins, who was with the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, is set to make the start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Cousins went 50-37-1 as a starter with Minnesota.
Cousins has thrown for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season with the Raiders. The Raiders started the season 3-0, but have lost five of their last six games. Las Vegas was ready to give the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, Fernando Mendoza, an opportunity to develop as a starter for the rest of the season.
For more on the Vikings and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines