Mac Jones signs two-year deal with 49ers as a backup
- Mac Jones has signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, indicating a renewed chapter in his professional career.
- The contract is valued at $7 million, with significant guaranteed money, reflecting the team's investment in him as a backup quarterback.
- This signing follows the 49ers' struggles with previous draft choices at quarterback, emphasizing their commitment to finding a reliable option behind starter Brock Purdy.
In March 2025, quarterback Mac Jones finalized a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This decision came four years after the 49ers nearly drafted him third overall, showcasing the team's long-standing interest in Jones. The contract, worth $7 million with $5 million guaranteed, potentially reaches a maximum of $11.5 million. Following a series of injuries and inconsistent performances from former first-round pick Trey Lance, who was traded to Dallas, the 49ers sought a reliable backup to their current starter, Brock Purdy. Jones initially had a promising start with the New England Patriots, leading the team to the playoffs in his rookie year. However, his performance waned the following season after the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. In 2023, he was benched for his struggles and subsequently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he had a mixed performance over seven starts, recording eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. His career statistics reflect his challenges, with an 84.9 passer rating, 54 touchdown passes, and 44 interceptions across 49 starts. The decision to bring Jones into the fold as a backup was strategic for the 49ers, particularly following Joshua Dobbs' departure to the Patriots in free agency. Coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the backup quarterback position, this move solidifies the team's depth at the position and allows Jones a chance to revitalize his career under Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. With Brock Purdy now firmly established as the starting quarterback, Jones has an opportunity to learn and develop as a critical piece of the Niners' future plans. Overall, this contract represents both a second chance for Jones to prove himself at the highest level and a calculated risk for the 49ers as they aim to build a formidable roster around a stable quarterback position. The implications of this signing could shape the team's performance in the coming seasons, as they seek to return to championship contention in the highly competitive NFC.