Mac Jones aims to craft a remarkable comeback story in 2024, feeling revitalized after his first season under coach Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers. The former first-round draft pick’s confidence is bolstered by observing fellow quarterback Sam Darnold, who is poised to make waves as the Seattle Seahawks’ starter in Super Bowl 2026.
Jones sees parallels in their journeys, remarking on Darnold’s experience under Shanahan and alongside 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. “Everyone’s journey is so different,” Jones noted Wednesday,
“I feel like I’ve watched him in interviews, and he does say that learning from Kyle and [49ers starting quarterback] Brock [Purdy] really changed his career. I see why now. I’ve learned so much this year.”
I know Sam probably felt the same way [in his one year in San Francisco]. You can see it on the tape, there’s a lot of crossover.
Sam Darnold’s Turnaround Inspires Jones Amid NFL Shifts
Darnold revitalized his career after serving as Purdy’s backup in 2023 with the 49ers. He led the Minnesota Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record that season, which earned him a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks. Once considered a castoff following unsuccessful periods with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold’s resurgence serves as an example of resilience for Jones.
From AFC East Roots to San Francisco: Jones’s NFL Path
Much like Darnold, Jones began his NFL career in the AFC East, being selected 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. His rookie season showed promise with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, and he led the Patriots to a playoff appearance. However, the team’s offensive direction shifted in 2022 with Joe Judge and Matt Patricia taking control, following the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
In 2023, former Patriots coordinator Bill O’Brien returned, overseeing Jones’s final season in New England. After that, Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in early 2024, where he played backup to Trevor Lawrence. Later that offseason, Jones signed a two-year, $7 million contract with San Francisco.
Stepping Up Amid Injuries, Jones Demonstrates Leadership for 49ers
Jones found himself starting eight games in 2024 when injuries sidelined Brock Purdy, compiling a 5-3 record and throwing for 13 touchdowns against six interceptions. He praised Kyle Shanahan’s influence on his game, saying,
Kyle has been great for me. We’re really on the same … I call it wi-fi. We’re just a really good match,
highlighting their strong connection.
Despite the 49ers’ recent 41-6 defeat to the Seahawks in the divisional round, Jones remains focused on the future and motivated to prove himself. “It’s definitely motivating for me,” he shared.
I feel I can do that. I have my swag back, and I feel like that’s important for me. I can go out there and win games for whoever.
Facing Uncertainty, Jones Recognizes the Business Side of Football
Although Jones is under contract with the 49ers for one more year, trade discussions reportedly have linked him to the Vikings, who experienced a turbulent season with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jones acknowledges the realities of professional football beyond the field.
Honestly, it’s a business. You know how this goes,
he said.
I’ve proven I can be a starter. I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever. I know how to do it, but it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it.
Potential Next Steps for Jones and the Impact on His Career
Jones’s renewed confidence and experience with the 49ers provide a foundation for what could be a defining period in his career. His ability to step in successfully amid injuries and a demanding offense demonstrates his resilience and adaptability. Whether he remains with San Francisco or moves to a new team such as Minnesota, Jones’s determination to reestablish himself as a top-tier NFL starter will be closely watched.
His trajectory highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL careers while showcasing the importance of mentorship and seizing opportunities. If Jones continues to build on his progress under Kyle Shanahan’s guidance, 2024 might indeed become the year he fully rewrites his comeback story.
