Former New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is heading to the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year deal worth $7 million, with $5 million guaranteed. With incentives, the deal could reach a maximum value of $11.5 million, giving Jones a fresh opportunity in the Bay Area.
A New Chapter for Jones
Jones, once seen as the future of the Patriots, spent the 2024 season backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. He was thrust into action when Lawrence suffered a concussion, but his playing time was cut short. In 10 games, Jones threw for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions—a solid but unspectacular showing.
Now, he lands in San Francisco, where he will serve as the direct backup to Brock Purdy. The Jaguars moved on from Jones after signing Nick Mullens in free agency, clearing the path for this new opportunity.
From Playoff Starter to Backup Role
Jones entered the NFL with high expectations. Drafted 15th overall by the Patriots in 2021, he made an immediate impact. He threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his rookie season, leading New England to the playoffs. Though the Patriots were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Buffalo Bills, Jones earned a Pro Bowl selection for his efforts.
However, his performance regressed over the next two seasons. In 2022, he threw for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games. By 2023, the Patriots had lost confidence in him, benching him in favor of Bailey Zappe. After New England moved on, Jones found himself in Jacksonville as a backup to Lawrence.
Why This Move Makes Sense for the 49ers
The 49ers needed a reliable backup for Purdy, and Jones fits the bill. He comes at a reasonable cost, allowing San Francisco to avoid overpaying for a veteran quarterback in a thin market. Given Purdy’s durability—he played every game in 2023—Jones may not see much action, but he provides security in case of injury.
A quick look at Jones’ contract structure:
| Contract Term | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $7 million (2 years) |
| Guaranteed | $5 million |
| Max Value | $11.5 million (with incentives) |
For a team already navigating contract negotiations with Purdy—who is expected to land a massive extension—this is a low-risk move that strengthens depth at a crucial position.
What’s Next for Jones?
Jones now has a chance to rebuild his reputation under head coach Kyle Shanahan. While Purdy is firmly entrenched as the starter, injuries are always a possibility in the NFL. If Jones is called upon, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in one of the league’s most quarterback-friendly systems.
For now, he settles into a backup role with a chance to contribute if needed. Whether he sees the field or not, Jones gets a fresh start with one of the NFL’s top teams.
