Mac Jones had a career resurgence with the San Francisco 49ers this season.
The backup quarterback started eight games while Brock Purdy dealt with injuries, and Jones delivered. He threw for at least 275 yards and two touchdowns in five of those starts. His performance against playoff-caliber teams turned heads across the league.
Now, with the 49ers’ season over and Jones entering the offseason, the 27-year-old made his intentions clear when speaking to reporters Monday.
“I’m on a two-year deal, but I believe I’m a starter in this league,” Jones said. “And I’m excited to continue to get better this offseason and see what happens.”
Jones signed with San Francisco last offseason after a rocky stint with the New England Patriots and a brief stop with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His goal was simple: rebuild his career, prove he could still play, and position himself for another opportunity to start.
Mission accomplished.
Mac Jones’ Performance Proves He Can Start
Jones did not just survive as a fill-in starter. He thrived.
His best performance came against the Los Angeles Rams, a team that advanced to the NFC Championship Game. Jones threw for 342 yards in a road victory, carving up a defense that ranked among the league’s best all season.
In the rematch later in the year, Jones threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns against the same Rams defense. Those performances were not flukes. Jones was poised, accurate, and effective against a team that has gone on to compete for a Super Bowl.
The shine often wears off backup quarterbacks after one or two solid starts. But Jones sustained his level of play throughout the season. He completed over 65% of his passes, limited turnovers, and executed head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s offense at a high level.
NFL teams noticed. And now, Jones is betting on himself to land a starting job elsewhere.
What Jones Learned From His Time in San Francisco
GettyMac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones credits his time with the 49ers for his development.
He spent the season learning from Purdy, Shanahan, and the rest of San Francisco’s offensive staff. That education, according to Jones, was invaluable.
“I think when I signed here and talking to Kyle, that was part of the goal,” Jones said. “To get back on track, have fun, and get around winners again. I feel like that’s helped me so much. I love everybody here. It was exciting this year. I feel like every time I came into work, it wasn’t work. We’re having fun in the quarterback room, in the offensive room, on the practice field.”
Jones described his experience in San Francisco as earning “a Ph.D in football.” He watched how Purdy operated within Shanahan’s system, learned how to process defenses more quickly, and gained confidence in his ability to execute at a high level.
The result was a quarterback who looked nothing like the struggling player who left New England. Jones was decisive, efficient, and effective. He managed games well and made plays when the 49ers needed him most.
“For me to have back-to-back years where I played eight games was awesome,” Jones said. “As backups, you don’t know when your time is going to be. Really excited for that opportunity that I had. I feel like there wasn’t a lot of drop-off, and the guys had a lot of fun.”
Jones acknowledged the standard Purdy set during his time as the starter. Learning from Purdy and Shanahan allowed Jones to refine his game and position himself for another starting opportunity.
Mac Jones on his season with the 49ers
Which Teams Could Pursue Mac Jones This Offseason
Jones is on a two-year deal with the 49ers, but teams will come calling.
There is no shortage of quarterback-needy franchises heading into the offseason. Several teams are in the market for a veteran starter who can step in and compete immediately. Jones fits that profile.
The Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants all need quarterback help. Jones’ performance this season gives him leverage to compete for starting jobs with those organizations.
Jones put together enough quality tape this season to convince teams he can be a legitimate starter. His two performances against the Rams alone demonstrated he can perform in high-pressure situations against elite defenses.
The question now is whether Jones stays with the 49ers as Purdy’s backup or pursues a starting opportunity elsewhere. Based on his comments Monday, it is clear Jones believes he deserves another chance to start.
Would the 49ers Let Jones Walk?
GettyHead coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco faces a decision this offseason.
Jones has one year remaining on his two-year deal. The 49ers could keep him as a high-quality backup, but that seems unlikely given his performance and his stated desire to start.
If Jones has opportunities to compete for starting jobs elsewhere, it would be difficult to justify keeping him on the bench in San Francisco. The 49ers value Jones and appreciate what he brought to the team this season, but they are not going to stand in the way of a player who has earned another shot at starting.
Shanahan and the front office will have to weigh the value of retaining a proven backup against the reality that Jones deserves a chance to start. If a team offers Jones a starting role, the 49ers will likely facilitate a trade or release him to pursue that opportunity.
For Jones, the decision is straightforward. He wants to start. And after the season he put together, he has every reason to believe he will get that chance.
Final Word for the 49ers
Mac Jones believes he is a starting quarterback in the NFL.
After spending the season as Brock Purdy’s backup, Jones made it clear Monday that he views his time in San Francisco as a stepping stone to another starting opportunity. His performances against playoff-caliber teams, particularly the Rams, demonstrated he can execute at a high level when called upon.
Jones rebuilt his career in San Francisco. He learned from Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy, regained his confidence, and put together quality tape that will attract interest from teams looking for a quarterback this offseason.
Whether Jones returns to the 49ers or pursues a starting job elsewhere remains to be seen. But after the season he had, it is clear he has earned another chance to compete for a starting role.
49ers’ Mac Jones Sends Strong Message About His NFL Future