Mac Jones joins 49ers on two-year deal to bolster quarterback depth: Can he make the difference

Quarterback Mac Jones is set to join the San Francisco 49ers, marking a significant moment four years after the team nearly drafted him third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones has agreed to a two-year contract worth $7 million, including $5 million guaranteed, with a maximum value of $11.5 million. The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and a person familiar with the deal confirmed the terms on Wednesday night, though the official announcement is still pending.

Mac Jones Joins the San Francisco 49ers in a Two-Year Deal

Mac Jones’ connection with the 49ers dates back to the 2021 NFL Draft when San Francisco made a bold move, trading three first-round picks to secure the No. 3 overall selection. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was in search of a franchise quarterback and reportedly narrowed his choices down to Jones and Trey Lance. Ultimately, the team opted for Lance, passing on Jones, who was later selected by the New England Patriots at No. 15.


The decision to draft Lance instead of Jones did not pan out as expected for the 49ers. Lance struggled with injuries and adjusting to Shanahan's complex offensive system, making just four starts in two seasons. He eventually lost the starting job to Brock Purdy, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2022. Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick in August 2023. Purdy has since solidified his position as the team's starting quarterback, creating an opportunity for Jones to step in as a reliable backup.

Jones had a promising rookie season with the Patriots in 2021, starting all 17 games and leading the team to a 10–7 record and a playoff appearance. He completed 67.6% of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, earning his first and only Pro Bowl nod. However, his performance declined after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels departed the team. In 2023, Jones was replaced as the starter and subsequently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.


During his time with the Jaguars, Jones started seven games, throwing eight touchdown passes and eight interceptions while completing 65.3% of his passes for 1,672 yards. His overall career stats include 49 starts with an 84.9 passer rating, 54 touchdown passes, 44 interceptions, and an average of 6.7 yards per attempt.

The 49ers’ need for a backup quarterback became evident when Joshua Dobbs left in free agency to join the Patriots. With Brandon Allen also entering free agency, Jones steps in as an experienced option behind Purdy. While his role will be as a backup, Jones’ experience and early career success could provide valuable depth to the 49ers’ quarterback room.

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Jones’ move to San Francisco also offers him a chance to work under Shanahan, whose offensive system has produced consistent results with quarterbacks like Purdy. If Jones can adapt to the system and rediscover his rookie form, he could become a valuable asset for the 49ers.

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