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.
Source: Mac Jones has agreed to terms with the #49ers on a 2-year deal for $7M with 5M guaranteed. Max value of $11.5M. A new, experienced backup for Brock Purdy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2025
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.