In a move that puts an end to months of speculation, the San Francisco 49ers have decided to retain quarterback Mac Jones for the upcoming season. Despite interest from other teams eyeing him as a potential starter, the Niners plan to keep Jones as the backup to Brock Purdy, ensuring stability at the quarterback position.
Background on Mac Jones’ Journey
Mac Jones, the former first-round pick out of Alabama, has had a rollercoaster career in the NFL. After a promising rookie season with the New England Patriots in 2021, where he led the team to the playoffs and earned Pro Bowl honors, his performance declined in subsequent years. Struggles with consistency and team dynamics led to a trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it was his move to the 49ers in 2025 that marked a significant turnaround.
Joining San Francisco on a two-year deal, Jones initially served as a backup. However, when Brock Purdy suffered a right big toe injury in Week 1 of the 2025 season, Jones stepped in as the starter for eight games. During that stretch, he threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, achieving a completion percentage of 69.6% and a QBR of 62.9—ranking ninth in the league. The 49ers went 5-3 with Jones under center, keeping their playoff hopes alive until Purdy’s return.
Jones himself reflected on the experience, telling ESPN in December, “It was just so fun to get, as I say, the train back on the tracks and that’s what I wanted to do. [I] put a lot of good film out there. In a way, I had two seasons in one. I had a season as a starter kind of and a season as a backup. So it was really good for me. Had a lot of fun and excited for what’s next.” He also expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I do believe I’m a starter in this league and I’m excited for continuing to get better this offseason and see what happens.”
The Official Decision
According to sources cited by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers have no plans to trade Jones this offseason and fully intend to bring him back as Purdy’s backup. Jones, now 27, is entering the final year of his contract with a base salary of $2.810 million and a salary cap hit of $3.07 million. This decision comes amid an uncertain quarterback market, where Jones had been viewed as a trade target for teams in need of a starter.
General Manager John Lynch praised Jones’ impact, saying, “Mac made this place better. He was outstanding this season. He picked us up in a huge way and it was a really fun process to watch him come in and the joy that he was playing with. He’s got an infectious attitude that affects everybody on our team. It affected that quarterback room. … Like Kyle said, you always listen, but I know we’re a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster.”
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan echoed these sentiments at his end-of-season press conference on January 21, noting, “As any player on our team, including myself and [general manager] John [Lynch], you always listen to people and trade offers. But we’re also not into getting rid of good players. So I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
Why This Matters for the 49ers
Quarterback depth has been a recurring issue for the 49ers in recent years. Purdy, who burst onto the scene in 2022, has dealt with multiple injuries, including a torn UCL in his throwing elbow during the 2022 NFC Championship Game, shoulder and elbow issues in 2024, and the toe injury in 2025 that sidelined him for eight games. The team’s struggles without a reliable backup in 2024 highlighted the need for someone like Jones, who not only performed well but also brought positive energy to the locker room.
By keeping Jones, the 49ers are prioritizing stability and insurance behind Purdy, especially in a competitive NFC West. While they remain open to listening to offers, the current stance suggests Jones will be part of the roster heading into 2026 training camp.
For Jones, this means another year in a system that has revitalized his career under Shanahan’s offensive scheme—a system that originally intrigued the 49ers enough to consider drafting him in 2021 instead of Trey Lance. While he believes he can start in the NFL, staying in San Francisco offers a chance to continue developing and potentially step up if needed.
For other teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, or Miami Dolphins, who have been linked to quarterback searches, this news is a setback. Jones’ affordable contract and proven performance in 2025 made him an attractive option, but with the 49ers holding firm, those teams may need to look elsewhere in free agency or the draft.
As the offseason unfolds, this decision could shift if an irresistible trade offer comes along, but for now, it’s official: Mac Jones is staying put with the San Francisco 49ers.
Leave a Reply