Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and the 49ers’ Quarterback Conundrum: A Tale of Two QBs in the Bay
Back in May, the San Francisco 49ers made a bold move - locking up quarterback Brock Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract extension. It was a major vote of confidence in a player who had gone from Mr.
Irrelevant to franchise centerpiece in the span of a season. But as the 2025 regular season barrels toward its final stretch, that decision is getting some second-guessing from the outside looking in - and not without reason.
Let’s rewind. Purdy missed eight games earlier this season due to injury, and in stepped Mac Jones, a former first-rounder who signed a modest two-year, $8.41 million deal with the Niners in March.
Expectations were tempered, but Jones didn’t just manage - he delivered. In seven starts, he posted a 5-3 record and helped keep San Francisco not just afloat, but firmly in the playoff picture.
That stretch has sparked some debate about the 49ers’ long-term quarterback strategy. FS1’s Nick Wright recently weighed in, suggesting that San Francisco might be feeling a bit of buyer’s remorse.
His argument? When you’re getting roughly 85% of Purdy’s production for just 8% of the salary from Jones, it’s fair to wonder if the big-money extension was a bit premature - especially with Purdy sidelined again earlier this year.
Now, to be clear: this isn’t a quarterback controversy in the traditional sense. Purdy is back, he’s healthy, and he’s winning.
Since returning to the starting role, he’s gone 5-1 - a reminder of why the 49ers were so eager to invest in him in the first place. His command of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, poise under pressure, and ability to make plays outside the structure have all been on full display.
But Jones’ performance can’t be ignored either. He didn’t just hold down the fort - he earned respect in that locker room.
He played within the system, protected the football, and moved the chains. In a league where quarterback depth is more important than ever, having a backup who can win games is a luxury.
And right now, the 49ers have that.
As the Niners (10-4) prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) in Week 16 on Monday night, they’re riding a four-game win streak and are very much in the hunt for the NFC West crown. The margin for error is slim - they’ll likely need to win out to secure the division - but with Purdy back under center and Jones ready if needed, San Francisco’s quarterback room looks like a strength, not a liability.
The conversation around the contract will linger - that’s life in the NFL when big money is involved. But for now, the 49ers are winning, and that’s what matters most.
Whether it’s Purdy leading the charge or Jones stepping in when called upon, San Francisco has two quarterbacks who’ve proven they can deliver. And in December, that’s a good problem to have.