The San Francisco 49ers made one of the best quarterback signings in free agency last offseason when they inked Mac Jones to a two-year, $8.4 million deal to back up Brock Purdy. Of course, at the time,
the 49ers were just looking for an upgrade and stability at the position after having Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen in that role in 2024.
But the signing turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Jones started eight games for the 49ers this season while Purdy was dealing with a toe injury. He impressed, going 5-3 as the starter with a number of memorable games, including the 49ers’ 26-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Week 5. In that win, Jones threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns while leading the 49ers to a huge upset.
Jones finished the season with 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while executing head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system well after being called up from the bench. It’s not the first time that Jones and Shanahan have intertwined, as the quarterback was heavily rumored to land in San Francisco during the 2021 NFL Draft.
Instead, the 49ers took Trey Lance at No. 3 overall, while Jones fell to the New England Patriots at No. 15 overall. Jones would spend three years there before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2024 season. Then, he came to the 49ers this past offseason, looking to revitalize his career and learn as a backup, similarly to what Sam Darnold did for a year.
Well, talking on the “Monday Mornings with Mitch” podcast, Jones acknowledged that Shanahan had interest in him during the 2021 predraft process, and wanted the quarterback in San Francisco.
“Kyle and I, we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft,” Jones said, via NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “Obviously, it went in different ways, but that’s what it’s all about — reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot.”
Well, Jones’s gamble to be a backup in San Francisco has paid off for both sides, as the quarterback provided confidence that he could be a spot starter, while also bumping up his trade value. Over the weekend, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers don’t have any intentions to trade Jones and instead still expect him back as the backup for 2025.
Jones has a cap hit of $3.98 million for the 2026 season, according to Spotrac, so he’d be one of the most cost-effective solutions for the backup quarterback spot. He could recoup the 49ers a compensatory pick if he walks after the 2026 season, so if a trade were to be made, significant draft capital is likely involved.
Still, looking back a few years ago, we’ve finally heard the truth that Shanahan was interested in Jones during the predraft process, and it’s interesting how full circle that came about.
