The San Francisco 49ers have signed former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones to a two-year, $7 million deal, including $5 million guaranteed. This move comes after Jones’ rocky tenure in New England and a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, he will serve as a backup to Brock Purdy in San Francisco, where he reunites with head coach Kyle Shanahan—who had previously considered drafting him in 2021.
Mac Jones’ Journey to San Francisco
Jones was drafted 15th overall by the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft and had a promising rookie season, leading New England to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. He completed 67.6% of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and high expectations for the future.
However, his next two seasons in New England were underwhelming. The Patriots struggled offensively, and Jones’ production regressed, partially due to coaching instability and poor offensive line play. In 2023, he threw for just 2,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions before being benched for Bailey Zappe.
In 2024, Jones was traded to the Jaguars for a late-round draft pick. In Jacksonville, he served as a backup to Trevor Lawrence and saw limited action. With his contract set to expire, the Jaguars opted not to re-sign him, leaving Jones to seek a new opportunity.
A Fresh Start in San Francisco
San Francisco presents an ideal situation for Jones to revive his career. Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system is considered one of the most quarterback-friendly in the league, featuring quick reads, play-action passes, and strong skill-position players. Jones, known for his accuracy and quick decision-making, could thrive if given the chance.
Brock Purdy is firmly entrenched as the 49ers’ starter after leading the team to deep playoff runs. However, with injuries always a concern in the NFL, having a reliable backup is crucial. Jones will compete with Tanner Mordecai for the QB2 role and could see playing time if Purdy were to miss any games.
For Jones, this move is about redemption. At just 26 years old, he has time to rebuild his reputation and potentially earn another shot as a starter in the future. If he performs well in limited opportunities, he could position himself for a larger role either in San Francisco or elsewhere in the NFL.