The Cleveland Browns are expected to have a new quarterback in 2026, and many expect it to be a rookie in the draft.
However, NFL insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic expects the Browns to pursue a veteran quarterback through a trade. The Browns insider believes the team will pursue a trade for one-time Pro Bowl quarterback Mac Jones.
“The 49ers will probably trade Jones in February or March. And the Browns will be linked to that potential deal for that many reasons. Mostly that Jones’ current contract calls for a 2026 base salary of just $1.4 million,” Jackson wrote. …
“The potential free agent (and trade) class is uninspiring, to say the least. I can’t see the Browns signing up to be Kyler Murray’s next team. So either the Browns chase the dream with Anthony Richardson, try again with Kenny Pickett (or Joe Flacco, or Winston), or run the wishbone with Trey Lance or Justin Fields. All of a sudden, Mac Jones seems like Josh Allen, doesn’t he?”
Jones was selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots in 2021 and was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season. However, he struggled in his next two years and was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After one season there, he signed with the 49ers this offseason and has been having a ton of success.
San Francisco could likely get a mid-round pick back for Jones, who has proven he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL again. For the Browns, Jones could also be a stopgap for a rookie to develop and learn the system for a year or two.
Cleveland has stuck with Gabriel at quarterback, despite his struggles this season.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been adamant that Gabriel is the answer at quarterback and has been impressed with his play. But he knows the rookie, along with the entire team, has to be better.
“Well, I think with young quarterbacks, it’s understanding that there’s going to be ups and downs,” Stefanski said on Monday. “You know, can Dillon play better? Yes, he can. Can we play better around him? Yes, we can. Can we coach him better? Yes, we can. So, I understand the question. But I just trust that our young players at every position, and certainly at the quarterback position, are guys that are going to work their tails off to get better every single day.”
Gabriel is set to start his sixth straight game on Sunday when the Browns host the Baltimore Ravens.
Although Jones has had a big impact on the 49ers’ season, he is likely set to return to a backup role for the rest of the year.
Brock Purdy looks to be healthy and should return this week, which will push Jones to the backup role.
“They told me he is healthy. So I’ll see today with my own eyes when he practices. And I’m sure he’ll look that way,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “As long as he does, then he is good to go.”
With the 49ers giving Purdy a lucrative long-term extension, he is the clear future at quarterback, which is why Jones could be expendable.
Santa Clara, California – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Brock Purdy’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, a player not typically associated with the San Francisco 49ers, has become an unlikely champion for Purdy at a time when the young signal-caller’s future with the 49ers hangs in the balance.
Purdy, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of 49ers fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the 49ers back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Purdy’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Purdy’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Rob Gronkowski, the larger-than-life former tight end who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Purdy, Gronkowski expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Brock Purdy is an injustice to football,” Gronkowski declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this young man once carried his team when no one believed in him — that he rose from adversity and fought with his entire heart. You don’t judge a warrior just because he falls once.”
Gronkowski’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Purdy from 49ers fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Gronkowski for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Purdy’s resilience, his journey from undrafted rookie to one of the NFL’s most promising quarterbacks, and his unwavering commitment to the 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Gronkowski’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Purdy’s return, his injury, and the team’s Super Bowl hopes, Gronkowski’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with 49ers Nation rallying behind Purdy, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and dedication.
As Gronkowski aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Purdy’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Purdy’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The 49ers will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Gronkowski’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Gronkowski’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of 49ers Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Brock Purdy. The rest, as they say, will be history.