Mac Jones delivered a strong performance stepping in for injured starter Brock Purdy during the San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 season. Despite rumors suggesting the team might prefer Jones as the starting quarterback, the organization ultimately maintained its confidence in Purdy as the primary signal-caller. As the 49ers concluded their season with a divisional round defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, questions have surfaced regarding Jones’ role and future within the franchise, drawing attention to the ongoing quarterback situation in San Francisco.
Shanahan’s Commitment to Keeping Jones on the Roster Through 2026
Contrary to circulating speculation, Mac Jones is not entering free agency and remains under contract with the 49ers. His current deal extends through the 2026 season, reflecting the team’s intention to retain him as a valuable asset. NFL insider Dianna Russini reported that head coach Kyle Shanahan has no current plans to trade Jones, emphasizing the team’s preference to preserve the backup-starter tandem of Brock Purdy and Mac Jones for the upcoming season.
For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder,
Russini noted.
Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026. Jones’ 5-3 record as a starter amid the team’s major injury struggles helped keep San Francisco afloat, and Kyle Shanahan loves what he has in the 27-year-old.
The 49ers benefit from Jones’ affordable contract, which provides no financial incentive to negotiate his release or trade, especially given his effectiveness in the games he started during the 2025 campaign.
Jones Reflects on Growth and Learning Under Shanahan’s System
During the 2025 season, Mac Jones described his experience playing in San Francisco’s system as intensive and educational, likening it to attaining a “PhD in football.” His development under Shanahan’s guidance contributed to his improved performance, earning him respect within the organization and among fans.
I started half the games, and we did well,
Jones said. “I signed a two-year deal in San Francisco, so my whole goal was to get back on track, and get with Kyle, just work with him, and learn, and get my PhD in football, is what I’ve been saying, because it’s true. And if I have to do that again next year, I’ll be really excited.
I feel like it’s a good fit for me. And honestly, it’s a business. You know how this goes. And I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts, so I know how to do it, but it’s also a business, and I understand both sides of it.
Jones started eight games in 2025, passing for over 2,150 yards, 13 touchdowns, and maintaining an impressive completion rate nearing 70 percent. His ability to step in and deliver quality play during critical moments highlighted his value to the team.
The Importance of Jones to San Francisco’s Quarterback Strategy
With Brock Purdy as the established starter, Mac Jones provides reliable depth at the quarterback position, giving the 49ers flexibility in case of injury or performance shifts. Shanahan’s decision to hold onto Jones reflects confidence in the 27-year-old’s capabilities and potential to contribute meaningfully in future seasons. The dynamic between Purdy and Jones appears to be a significant part of San Francisco’s plans going forward.
Jones’ history as a 2021 first-round pick and his proven starter experience lend further credibility to the team’s commitment. This stable quarterback structure might serve to ease the pressure on the 49ers as they prepare for the next season with hopes of improved playoff success.
