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Mac Jones
QB · SF

Mac Jones

Position QB
Team SF
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Mac Jones

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: SF.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: SF (San Francisco 49ers)
  • Age: 28
  • Experience: 5 accrued seasons

2026 Outlook

Mac Jones is the 49ers' backup QB and has positioned himself as one of the NFL's most capable backups. In 2025, when Brock Purdy missed eight games with a turf toe injury, Jones completed 69.6% of his passes and threw 13 TDs to 6 INTs, leading the 49ers to five wins in eight starts. His quick decision-making fits well with Kyle Shanahan's offensive system, and he has the mobility to extend plays without being skittish in the pocket. (per 49ers 90-in-90: Is Mac Jones the best backup QB in the NFL?)

Sept 2026 trade rumor clarification: With QB injuries piling up around the league (Caleb Williams, Jaxson Dart, Jayden Daniels all sidelined in Week 3), teams are calling about Mac Jones' availability. 49ers GM John Lynch says there's "no more important position in football" and emphasized having Purdy as the franchise QB plus Jones as proven backup provides "peace of mind." Lynch rejected trade interest, emphasizing the value of having two capable QBs and noting the luxury is rare in the league—it allows the 49ers to be "well insulated" if injury strikes Purdy. Trade deadline is Nov. 10, but Lynch indicated no plans to move Jones unless receiving a "Godfather offer." (per 49ers GM John Lynch addresses potential Mac Jones trade amid wave of NFL quarterback injuries)

Potential trade candidate (July 2026): With Brock Purdy locked in as the 49ers' starter, Jones has emerged as a potential trade piece before training camp. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggested the 49ers explore trading Mac Jones if they can secure a second-round pick in return. The rationale: Jones proved he can win in Shanahan's system (5-3 record, 69.6% completion), making him valuable to other teams seeking QB insurance or a starter-in-waiting at a lower cost than a premium QB. The 49ers' quarterback depth—with Adrian Martinez and Kurtis Rourke in reserve roles—provides coverage if Jones is moved. (per 49ers urged to explore trade market for major offensive piece - Niners Wire)

Capable backup but clearly second-best (July 19): NFLTradeRumors.co acknowledged Jones' performance when Purdy was sidelined with turf toe in 2025, noting he "kept San Francisco's season on the rails in seven starts" and "played pretty well." However, the article authoritatively states "Purdy was just authoritatively better, nipping that narrative in the bud"—ending any debate about a quarterback controversy. Jones' backup value is high given his system familiarity and proven ability to step in, but he remains clearly behind Purdy in the pecking order for 2026. (per NFL Trade Rumors Top 100 Players: 60-51 - NFLTradeRumors.co).

Wants starter role, open to trade (July 22): Bleacher Report highlights Mac Jones as a QB that NFL teams should pursue in trades. Jones has expressed his desire to be a starting QB again, telling reporters: "I'm still 27. I have some good scars and bad scars, but I know I can play. But I do want to get that chance again, to run a team and be the guy. It's hard when it's Brock's team... But if you can get that chance again, I feel like I can really elevate people around me." His 2025 backup year (69.6% completion, 97.4 passer rating, 13 TDs to 6 INTs over 8 starts) marks the best football of his career. Bleacher Report notes teams "undoubtedly" reached out about Jones after seeing what SF's system did for Sam Darnold's career, but the 49ers are unlikely to move him unless offered a "Godfather offer," given Brock Purdy's durability concerns. (per QBs That NFL Teams Must Pursue in Trades Right Now)

Role / Depth Chart

Backup QB behind Brock Purdy. Has demonstrated he can command the offense and win games if called upon.

Injury Status

Dealt with shoulder soreness earlier in the offseason but cleared for full warmups and positional work.

Recent News

Open Questions

Sources

Coaches shaping Mac's role

Kyle ShanahanHead CoachKlay KubiakOffensive CoordinatorJerry GrayDefensive Passing Game CoordinatorLeonard HankersonPassing Game Coordinator/Wide ReceiversChris FoersterAssistant Head Coach/Offensive LineJacob WebsterOffensive Assistant/QuarterbacksMick LombardiQuarterbacksRoman SapoluAssistant Offensive Line

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