It was a career renaissance for Mac Jones with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. The former Alabama QB found a home within Kyle Shanahan's system in San Fran, providing exactly what the Niners were looking for.
The former No. 15 overall pick by the New England Patriots, Jones couldn't replicate or build upon his Pro Bowl rookie season with the Pats, but a lack of organizational stability certainly contributed to those issues. After spending a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars as Trevor Lawrence's backup following a trade, Jones signed a two-year deal last offseason with the 49ers.
The Niners wanted a quality option to back up the oft-injured Brock Purdy, and their signing of Jones paid major dividends.
Various Purdy injuries led Jones to make eight starts for the 49ers, and he led them to a 5-3 record that kept them afloat in the playoff race with Purdy sidelined. A Purdy injury the year before - and lackluster play from their backup options - led to San Francisco bottoming out and finishing 6-11. Thanks to Jones, the Niners were still able to win 12 games despite Purdy missing eight.
Jones finished with a career-best 62.3 QBR, which ranked 10th in the NFL. On Wednesday, the 49ers rewarded the former Crimson Tide star with a $300,000 roster bonus:
The 49ers and QB Mac Jones agreed to a revised contract for this season, adding a $300,000 roster bonus.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 27, 2026
Jones is now set to make $3.55M in 2026, with another $2.25M available in incentives, before he’s scheduled to hit free agency next March. pic.twitter.com/L0x4d3zY9H
Mac Jones could be in for a major payday in 2027 free agency
Jones was a popular trade candidate this offseason, but the 49ers had no real interest in moving him with Purdy's injury history. Jones did exactly what they needed from him, and they don't want to lose that ace in the hole.
That doesn't mean he won't get moved. As his value continues to increase, the 49ers could look to fetch a draft pick in exchange for Jones closer to the NFL's Trade Deadline, assuming Purdy is healthy and not showing any signs of wear and tear.
Because Jones will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 season, and he's likely in line for a substantial payday.
The 49ers organization is not the only one that has been impressed by Jones' career resurgence, and Shanahan's influence across the NFL is significant. There are plenty of teams running a similar system who could be interested in signing Jones to be their starter, or just as a bridge QB for a talented young QB entering the league via the 2027 NFL Draft.
Jones will have a substantial market next offseason, particularly if he's able to build upon his excellent play in 2026 if Purdy goes down again.
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