Can Mac Jones find a home in San Francisco?
Seeking to revive his career, the former first-round pick signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the 49ers in March. While playing time may be scarce, Jones is banking on Kyle Shanahanâs reputation as a quarterback whisperer to help him get on track.
The 49ers certainly see potential in Jones.
âHeâs got a lot of traits that we like for a starting quarterback,â offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said via ESPN. âHis career has kind of gone up and down a little bit the past couple years, but we saw the same things in Jacksonville that we loved about him as a college prospect, and that really excites us. â¦
âI think Macâs capable of being a starter in this league.â
Jones, 26, heads into training camp as the unquestioned backup to Brock Purdy, who recently inked a five-year, $265 million extension.
How Did Mac Jones Land With the 49ers?
The New England Patriots had high hopes for Jones when they grabbed the former Alabama standout with the 15th overall pick in 2021.
Jones showed promise as a rookie, passing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions. But it wasnât sustainable. Jonesâ production dipped over the next two seasons, and in March 2024, the Patriots shipped him out of town, trading him to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick.
Jones started seven games as a Jaguar, with Trevor Lawrence injured, but again failed to assert himself. He posted a meager 39.8 QBR in 10 games, throwing for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Now, ironically, Jones finds himself with the 49ers, who were thought to be interested in him during the 2021 draft. Instead, at No. 3, they selected North Dakota Stateâs Trey Lance.
Jones is certainly excited about the opportunity.
âThe world works in mysterious ways,â he said via ESPN. âIâm glad to be back here and learning from a great group of guys, and thatâs players and coaches. So, you go where you go in the draft, right? You donât get a lot of choice over that.â
What is Mac Jones’ Role in San Francisco?
If nothing else, the 49ersâ offense will look considerably different this season. Wideout Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders, while Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from ACL and MCL tears and may not be ready for the start of the season.
In more positive news, rookie Jordan Watkins, a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi, has generated buzz for his strong performance in minicamp.
After inking a record contract extension, Purdy, 25, will face more pressure than ever before to produce. And Jones, whoâs faced the limelight during much of his NFL career, will be studying right behind him.
The 49ers open training camp on July 25.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post 49ers Coach Makes Bold Statement on Mac Jones: ‘Capable of Being a Starter’ appeared first on Heavy Sports.