Mac Jones’ Resurgence in San Francisco Raises Big Questions for 2026
Mac Jones didn’t land in San Francisco with much fanfare. No big headlines.
No bold proclamations. Just a quarterback looking for a second chance.
But by the time the 2025 season wrapped, Jones had done more than just steady the ship-he reminded everyone why he was a first-round pick in the first place.
When injuries once again tested the 49ers’ depth under center, Jones became a stabilizing force in a season that could’ve easily gone sideways. With Brock Purdy sidelined for a significant stretch, Jones stepped into the starting role for eight games-and delivered. The Niners went 5-3 in those starts, but the win-loss record only tells part of the story.
Jones looked like a quarterback in full command of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He wasn’t just managing games-he was making plays, executing with rhythm and confidence, and showing a level of poise that had been missing during his final days in New England.
This wasn’t the same player who looked lost and hesitant in Foxborough. This was a quarterback who had clearly put in the work, learned the system, and was playing fast and smart.
Statistically, it was the most efficient stretch of Jones’ career. He completed nearly 70% of his passes, kept turnovers to a minimum, and consistently found ways to push the ball downfield without forcing throws. That balance-aggression without recklessness-is exactly what Shanahan demands from his quarterbacks, and Jones delivered it.
The tape backed it up. Jones played on time, took what the defense gave him, and punished mistakes.
He didn’t try to do too much, but he did enough to win-and at times, more than that. In five of his starts, he threw for at least 275 yards and two touchdowns, including some standout performances against playoff-caliber defenses.
Those games turned heads, not just in the Bay Area, but across front offices around the league.
And now, with the season in the books, Jones isn’t hiding how he sees himself.
“I’m on a two-year deal, but I believe I’m a starter in this league,” he said Monday. “And I’m excited to continue to get better this offseason and see what happens.”
That confidence isn’t misplaced. He didn’t just keep the 49ers afloat-he helped them contend. And for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, that kind of insurance at quarterback is invaluable.
From the organization’s perspective, Jones has become more than just a reliable backup. Shanahan and GM John Lynch have both emphasized the importance of quarterback stability-especially after watching injuries derail past seasons. In Jones, they’ve found a player who not only knows the system but has earned the trust of the locker room and coaching staff.
Jones himself described his time in San Francisco as earning “a Ph.D in football,” crediting the opportunity to study Purdy and immerse himself in Shanahan’s offense. That education translated into quicker processing, better decision-making, and a level of comfort that was evident in every snap he took.
Now, the question becomes: what’s next?
Jones’ contract runs through next season, but his play has likely sparked interest elsewhere. Teams in need of a starter-or even a high-end bridge quarterback-will be watching closely. And for the 49ers, the dilemma is a good one to have: hold onto a proven, capable backup who fits their system perfectly, or potentially explore trade options if another team comes calling with a compelling offer.
Either way, Mac Jones has changed the narrative. He’s no longer the quarterback trying to find his footing. He’s found it-and in doing so, he’s put the rest of the league on notice.