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NFL·TRANSACTION·August 18, 2026 10:53 PM ET

Chronicle: Rourke's 49ers debut opens door for Jones trade

Jones previously dismissed offseason trade rumors.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 191 min read
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San Francisco 49ersNFL

What happened: Kurtis Rourke's strong preseason debut for the San Francisco 49ers could facilitate a Mac Jones trade, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The performance gives the team a potential alternative for its backup quarterback position.

Why it matters: A reliable backup would give San Francisco the flexibility to move Jones, who dismissed trade rumors earlier this offseason. Dealing the veteran could help acquire draft capital before the regular season begins.

What to watch: The 49ers will evaluate Rourke in remaining preseason matchups to determine the final quarterback depth chart.

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