Mac Jones Embraces Backup Role in San Francisco - But Eyes Bigger Opportunity Ahead
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t just find a capable backup quarterback in Mac Jones this season - they found a stabilizing force when they needed it most. While Brock Purdy has been the face of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Jones quietly stepped in when called upon and delivered, helping secure one of the team’s most important wins of the year - a gutsy road victory against the Los Angeles Rams.
That performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It was a reminder that Jones, a former first-round pick, still has starting-caliber football in him. And with quarterback depth at a premium in today’s NFL, that kind of reliability doesn’t go unnoticed.
Before he landed in San Francisco, Jones had drawn interest from Minnesota. But it was the 49ers who locked him in on a two-year deal, giving him a chance to reset his career and immerse himself in one of the league’s most quarterback-friendly systems. For Jones, the move wasn’t just about a fresh start - it was about going back to school, in a sense.
“I signed a two-year deal in San Francisco, so my whole goal was to get back on track, and get with Kyle, just work with him, and learn, and get my PhD in football,” Jones said in a recent interview with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “It’s true. And if I have to do that again next year, I’ll be really excited.”
That "PhD in football" is more than just a catchy phrase - it reflects the level of detail and nuance that comes with playing under Shanahan. Jones, who started roughly half the games this season, looked comfortable in the system, showing poise, command, and a deeper understanding of the game than we saw during his final stretch in New England.
“I feel like it’s a good fit for me,” Jones added. “And honestly, it’s a business.
You know how this goes. And I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots.
I have 50-plus starts, so I know how to do it, but it’s also a business, and I understand both sides of it.”
That’s the reality for Jones right now - a quarterback who’s shown he can lead a team, but also understands the value of fit and opportunity. With Purdy entrenched as the starter (when healthy), Jones has become one of the most valuable backup quarterbacks in the league. And with questions surrounding Purdy’s durability, San Francisco might not be so quick to let Jones go.
Kyle Shanahan even said he’d be “shocked” if Jones wasn’t on the roster in 2026. But with a thin rookie quarterback class and several teams needing a steady hand under center, don’t be surprised if the 49ers field calls this offseason. A high draft pick in return wouldn’t be out of the question.
Still, Jones is staying grounded.
“I always just try to be where my feet are,” he said. “What I do know is you’ve got to be in the right situation.
That’s definitely what I learned this year - just being in the right offense with playmakers around you. That’s important.”
He’s not wrong. The 49ers’ offense is loaded with talent - Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle - and when Jones stepped in, the machine didn’t stall. That’s not easy to do, especially midseason, and it speaks volumes about both his preparation and his adaptability.
“So, any quarterback that’s in free agency or could get traded, or whatever your situation is, you want to go somewhere that fits and makes sense,” Jones continued. “At the end of the day, that’s what I want in San Francisco, and I think we’ll see what happens. I think it’s good to be talked about, and at the end of the day, I want to just keep playing good ball.”
Jones has done exactly that - played good ball. And in a league where backup quarterbacks often make or break seasons, his value has never been higher. Whether he stays in San Francisco or finds a new home, one thing’s clear: Mac Jones isn’t just filling in - he’s building something.