49ers’ Mac Jones Initially Thought News of Myles Garrett’s Trade to Rams Was AI

49ers teammates Mac Jones and Trent Williams shared honest opinions on All Pro DE Myles Garrett joining the Los Angeles Rams.

49ers’ Mac Jones Initially Thought News of Myles Garrett’s Trade to Rams Was AI

Myles Garrett and Mac Jones inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

When a player of Myles Garrett’s caliber moves from one team to another, it puts the entire league on high alert, especially the rival teams. Mac Jones, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, a divisional adversary of the Los Angeles Rams, was initially in denial when he heard about Garrett signing with the LA franchise.

After practice on Wednesday, a reporter asked Jones to share his first reaction after hearing about Garrett becoming a part of the NFC West. Jones revealed that he was in the hallway of the Niners’ facility when safety Malik Mustapha showed him the news about Garrett.

I thought it was AI or whatever. When I saw the blue check, I was like ‘Click on his profile and let’s see it… Shoot, that’s crazy. Myles [Garrett] is a great player. I have played against him a few times.

Mac Jones said

Garrett signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Browns in 2025, which included a no-trade clause. Garrett seemed quite content to play for the AFC side even though they haven’t sniffed playoff football for a while.

After the 2026 draft concluded, the Rams got on the phone with the Browns to discuss a trade. Garrett didn’t ask for one, but he agreed to join the Rams once the Browns found the compensation satisfactory. In exchange for Garrett, the Browns received two-time Pro Bowl edge Jared Verse, a first, second, and third-round pick.

The Rams now have the reigning NFL MVP, Matthew Stafford, as quarterback; the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett; future Hall of Fame wide receiver Davante Adams; exciting wideout Puka Nacua; and also traded for two-time Super Bowl winner Trent McDuffie to strengthen the secondary.

That roster that they built there is incredible.

Jones said

49ers veteran tackle shares his honest opinion on Myles Garrett joining the Rams

Trent Williams has been part of the NFL far longer than Garrett has. The star left tackle has firsthand witnessed the growth and greatness of the Texas A&M alum.

49ers' Mac Jones Initially Thought News of Myles Garrett's Trade to Rams Was AI
Myles Garrett (Image via IMAGO)

The scariest part is that Garrett is still only 30 years old, and his best days are ahead of him.

I know it’s scary after seeing what he did last year. But I’m never expecting to run into the same player. I know that when we see him Week 1 in Australia, he’s probably going to be a little bit better than the last time I saw him.

Williams said (H/T San Francisco Chronicle)

Garrett broke Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record last year and ended the season with 23 sacks. He has plans to break that and set a new one.

Since entering the NFL as the first overall pick in 2017, Garrett has registered 412 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 149 TFLs, 18 passes defended, 23 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble returns.

The 49ers receive a warning about Mac Jones’ future

Mac Jones signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the 49ers ahead of the 2025 season. He’s currently in the final year of his contract, and chances are that other NFL teams could phone the Niners for a trade.

The 49ers’ backup quarterback [Mac Jones], who was given a small pay raise after vastly outplaying his deal last season, will become a top free-agent target for teams that need a quarterback but have finished too far outside striking distance for a rising college quarterback in this year’s draft.

Connor Orr wrote in his 100 Bold Predictions article for Sports Illustrated

According to Orr, Jones could sign a $30 million APY deal elsewhere. Jones appeared in 8 games last year, deputizing for the injured Brock Purdy. He went 5-3, recorded 201 completions for 2151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

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