Mac Jones Joins the 49ers: A New Chapter for the Quarterback
Quarterback Mac Jones is set to join the San Francisco 49ers, a move that comes four years after the team nearly drafted him third overall. This signing marks a new chapter in Jones' career as he looks to establish himself in a competitive environment.
According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, Jones has inked a two-year contract worth $7 million. A source informed the Associated Press that the deal includes $5 million in guarantees and has the potential to reach a maximum value of $11.5 million, depending on performance incentives.
Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft, Jones was heavily linked to the 49ers. The team had traded three first-round picks to secure the No. 3 overall selection, with Coach Kyle Shanahan weighing his options between Jones and Trey Lance. Ultimately, the 49ers opted for Lance, a decision that has since been scrutinized.
Unfortunately for San Francisco, Lance struggled with injuries and adapting to Shanahan's system, making only four starts over two seasons. He was traded to Dallas in August 2023 for a fourth-round pick after losing his starting position to Brock Purdy, a seventh-round pick from 2022 who has since solidified his role as the team's starting quarterback.
Now, Jones steps in as a backup, looking to revitalize his career. He had a promising start with the New England Patriots, leading them to the playoffs in his rookie season. However, his performance dipped in the following year after the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, leading to his replacement as the starter in 2023.
Last March, Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he started seven games, throwing eight touchdown passes against eight interceptions. Over his career, he has made 49 starts, achieving an 84.9 passer rating with 54 touchdown passes and 44 interceptions, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
The 49ers were in search of a reliable backup for Purdy after Joshua Dobbs departed for New England in free agency, and with Brandon Allen also a free agent, Jones' arrival fills a crucial gap in their roster.
