Mac Jones stepped up, proving his ability to lead the 49ers offense. Now, the team should prioritize keeping him as invaluable quarterback depth.
In many ways, the San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 season can be viewed as a success. Despite once again being ravaged by injuries at key positions, the team still managed to reach the playoffs. However, that perspective does little to soften the reality of a lopsided divisional round loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Roster fortification is inevitable, and while much of the focus will be on repairing a battered defense and adding depth across the trenches, one of the most intriguing decisions facing the 49ers involves a player who doesn’t even hold a starting job: backup quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones stepped in and delivered#
When starting quarterback Brock Purdy missed time due to a toe injury, Jones was thrust into the lineup and responded with the best stretch of football of his NFL career. In eight starts during the 2025 season, Jones led the 49ers to a 5–3 record. Statistically, Jones was efficient and composed. He completed 66.1% of his passes, throwing for 2,387 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while posting a passer rating north of 92.0.
Perhaps most importantly, Jones proved he could operate Kyle Shanahan’s offense without needing it to be simplified. The ball came out on time, turnovers were limited, and the 49ers remained competitive during a critical stretch of the season.
Trade rumors were inevitable#
Given the quarterback market around the league, it didn’t take long for speculation to surface. A former first-round pick with starting experience, affordable contract control, and recent success is exactly the type of player teams call about.
But according to Shanahan, those calls aren’t likely to result in a deal.
“You always listen to people with trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players,” Shanahan said Wednesday, via The Athletic. “So I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
That quote speaks volumes.
Why the 49ers benefit from keeping him#
Quarterback depth has become one of the most undervalued assets in the NFL, that is until a season like San Francisco’s reminds everyone why it matters. Purdy has established himself as the franchise quarterback, but the physical toll of the position and the unpredictability of injuries make having a proven, system-ready backup invaluable.
Jones isn’t just a clipboard holder. He’s a quarterback who has now won games in this offense, elevated his efficiency, and earned the trust of the coaching staff and locker room. Trading him would create another question mark behind Purdy which is one the 49ers cannot afford given recent history. Jones also represents stability at a reasonable cost.
Looking ahead#
The 49ers have plenty to address this offseason, from defensive depth to offensive line reinforcements. Quarterback shouldn’t be one of those concerns though.
Mac Jones has shown he can win games, manage the offense, and step in without derailing a season. In a league where quarterback uncertainty can sink even the most talented rosters, keeping him in red and gold is strategic. Based on Shanahan’s comments, it’s exactly what San Francisco plans to do.