NFL analyst suggests 49ers trade Mac Jones to fill huge need
The San Francisco 49ers signed Mac Jones to a two-year, $7 million deal last offseason to be Brock Purdy's backup, but with the starter dealing with a toe injury throughout the year, Jones got more opportunities than expected.
In 2025, Jones appeared in 11 games and led the team to a 5-3 record in his eight starts while completing a career-high 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Now, with Jones proving he can succeed in the NFL, many are questioning if the 49ers could trade the quarterback this offseason for draft picks or a veteran to fill a position of need.
On Friday, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine suggested both, as he projected San Francisco could trade Jones to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 sixth-round pick end EDGE Nick Herbig.
"The 49ers had one of the worst pass rushes in the league last season. The Steelers could need a quarterback if Aaron Rodgers decides not to return for the 2026 season," Ballentine wrote. "Let's make a deal...
"If the Steelers can use Herbig to find a potentially long-term answer at quarterback that would be a good use of his breakout season. If the Niners can turn their backup quarterback into the player that leads the charge for their next generation of pass rush, that's a win."
The 49ers recorded the fewest sacks in the league in 2025, so they need to address their pass-rush unit. Adding Herbig, who recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks last year, to a group that will include Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams and Bryce Huff could help Raheem Morris' defense have a stronger 2026 than Robert Saleh's did in 2025..
At quarterback, San Francisco could go into the season with 2025 draft pick Kurtis Rourke or Adrian Martinez as their backup, as their both already on the roster. They could also search for another veteran in free agency or a draft pick this year.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL writer suggests 49ers trade Mac Jones to Steelers to fill big need
Fans clash with police at Osasuna stadium
The Osasuna-Real Madrid match was marred by controversy both on and off the pitch. While VAR decisions, particularly regarding Courtois' penalty on Ante Budimir, drew attention on the field, a serious incident occurred inside the stadium.
At the conclusion of the match, police attempted to identify a fan who threw a bottle onto the pitch, leading to a significant altercation between officers and dozens of radical supporters within El Sadar stadium.
Red Bull Racing takes over San Francisco's Marina Blvd. for Formula 1 showcase
Red Bull Racing was burning out along San Francisco Marina Boulevard Saturday, shutting the street down for its Formula 1 showcase.
"I'm seeing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to see it like right near my hometown," said Annie Strickler, who made the trip from Orinda. "It's just really great that they're expanding and trying to expand their audience as well and get people from the Bay Area, because we love sports and we love F1."
Formula 1 fans from across the Bay Area packed in to take in the moment.
"I'm a pretty big F1 fan, so I've kind of just wanted any sort of chance to be able to come and see, like, the cars and the people," said Orinda resident Noah Sasson. "I think Red Bull's a really interesting team in F1, because I feel like they kind of resemble something a little against the grain, because some of the teams are really generational. They're old and Red Bull is the newer team."
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The event was revving up excitement among newer Formula 1 fans.
"I have been, like, a fan and watched the races, but definitely not, like, as huge of a fan. So I thought that this opportunity to see something for free, especially so close to me, is just like a really amazing thing," said Anna Kucheyev.
Red Bull also unleashed some its other high-end performance vehicles.
"I've owned a lot of Mustangs, so I do like muscle cars, so I'm here for that and here for my puppy to be able to get some exposure and see some people," said Petaluma resident Elizabeth Oats, who was at the event with a group of friends.
"I hope everyone has good day and go, F1," said Crystal Wright.
