The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for an important offseason after finishing the regular season with a 12-5 record and returning to the playoffs following a one-year absence. Their postseason hopes ended abruptly with a 41-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional round, a result that stunned many given the resilience the team showed despite numerous injuries throughout the year. Central to their surprising season was backup quarterback Mac Jones, who contributed significantly when stepping in for injured starter Brock Purdy.
Jones, who signed a two-year contract to serve as Purdy’s backup, started eight games during Purdy’s absence, guiding the 49ers to a 5-3 record as a starter and helping the team stay in playoff contention. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system, Jones showed noticeable improvement and recently revealed that the 49ers had considered drafting him in the 2021 NFL Draft instead of Trey Lance, whom they ultimately selected with the No. 3 overall pick.
How Close Mac Jones Came to Joining the 49ers in the 2021 Draft
In the lead-up to the 2021 NFL Draft, the 49ers made a franchise-altering move by trading three first-round picks to climb to the third overall pick. This strategic gamble sparked intense debate about their target selection, with Trey Lance and Mac Jones emerging as the top contenders to be picked. Coming off a 6-10 season marred by injuries to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers were eager to add a quarterback to their roster. Though they chose Lance, Shanahan reportedly had strong interest in Jones throughout the draft process.
Jones shared his perspective in a podcast interview, stating,
“Kyle and I, we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft,”
and added,
“Obviously, it went in different ways, but that’s what it’s all about – reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot.”
Ultimately, Jones was selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots. After leading the Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie while earning Pro Bowl and All-Rookie Team honors, Jones experienced difficulties in the following two seasons. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2024 season, marking the final year of his rookie contract.
Rediscovering Passion: Mac Jones’ Renewed Enthusiasm in San Francisco
Playing quarterback in the NFL is demanding, and during challenging periods, Jones admitted that the fun of football sometimes faded for him. However, joining the 49ers coaching staff under Shanahan rejuvenated his love for the game. Jones expressed that he has “got that joy back” playing in a system he appreciates and finds exciting.
Reflecting on his experience, Jones remarked,
“Just hearing the stories about Kyle and how he sees the run game and the pass game and running the team meetings, and it was just interesting. And finally, I got to see it this year, and that was just awesome.”
The 49ers currently do not intend to trade Jones in this offseason, though they remain open to possibilities if the right offer arises. For now, the team expects him to continue as Brock Purdy’s backup as they aim to build on their successful, yet frustrating, 2023 campaign.
