Former Alabama QB Mac Jones signs with the team that should've drafted him

Former Alabama QB Mac Jones has a found a new home in free agency. It's with the team that should have drafted him in the first place.
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass to warm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass to warm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

After leading Alabama football to the National Championship in 2020, Mac Jones was selected by the New England Patriots with the 15th overall pick in 2021. After a promising rookie season, things derailed for Jones in Boston with inconsistent play due in part to inconsistent coaching.

Last offseason, Jones was traded to his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars where he was expected to spend the season backing up Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence suffered a season ending injury in November, which led to Jones starting the last seven games of the season for the Jaguars.

It was Jones' opportunity to audition for a starting job in 2026. Instead, Jones will find himself as a backup once more. But there are far worse jobs out there than NFL backup QB. It's good work if you can get it.

Mac Jones signs with the San Francisco 49ers

Late Wednesday night, reports came out that Jones had signed a 2-year deal worth up to $11.5 million with the San Francisco 49ers, with $5 million guaranteed.

The 49ers were rumored to be interested in Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. Instead, with the third pick, Kyle Shanahan and company chose North Dakota State's Trey Lance. Fortunes would have likely been different for Jones and San Francisco had they chosen him instead of Lance. Shanahan has carried a reputation as a QB whisperer and with consistent coaching on the San Fran offensive staff, Jones likely wouldn't have seen his development stagnate after his rookie season.

Lance went on to start just two games for the 49ers before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the start of the 2023 season.

Jones is being brought in to back-up Brock Purdy. He will also provide some insurance as Purdy has struggled to stay healthy the last couple of seasons. The 49ers and Purdy are expected to agree on a big contract extension this offseason, though talks appear to still be far apart.

Jones may still have an opportunity to start down the road, but his latest contract is clear that he will get work as an NFL backup for as long as he wants it.

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