For the second straight year, injuries have defined the San Francisco 49ers‘ campaign. After getting dealt a rash of injuries last season, the Niners stumbled on their way to a 6-11 season, missing the playoffs entirely after coming up just short in their quest to win Super Bowl LVIII the year before.
This season, though, the 49ers have managed to stay afloat, and that’s due in large part to Mac Jones, who has filled in admirably for the injured Brock Purdy for five games so far this season. Jones has won four of his five starts for San Francisco, and while he’s already cashing in on his incentive-laden contract, the longer Purdy is out, the more money he could end up making.
Mac Jones Cashing in Amid Brock Purdy’s Injury Absence
After flaming out with the New England Patriots and spending a year as Trevor Lawrence’s backup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones signed a two-year, $8.41 million contract with the 49ers in free agency over the offseason. After seeing what Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff were able to do with Sam Darnold, Jones was hoping that San Fran could help him revive his career.
With Purdy missing all but two games so far this season, Jones has been thrust into action sooner than expected, and he’s delivered the goods. His numbers aren’t outrageous (1,404 yards, six touchdowns), but he continues to find a way to help lead the Niners’ injury-riddled squad to victories, and at the end of the day, that’s ultimately all that matters.
Since Jones was brought to town to be Purdy’s backup, his deal featured several incentives in the event he found his way onto the field. After earning his fourth win as a starter, Jones triggered a $400,000 bonus in his deal, but as Dan Graziano of ESPN recently shared, he could still earn another big incentive if he has to continue filling in for Purdy.
“Jones’ deal says that he gets an extra $100,000 for every game in which he plays at least 25% of the offensive snaps and the team wins — but only if the team wins four such games,” Graziano wrote. “Sunday’s victory over the Falcons was the fourth game this season the Niners have won in which Jones played at least 25% of their offensive snaps, which means Jones pocketed $400,000 as a result of that win.”
“He can also get another $550,000 if he plays in at least 50% of the team’s offensive plays this season and the 49ers make the playoffs.”
Mac Jones Set to Start Over Brock Purdy Again in Week 8
GettySan Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones himself has been dealing with a couple of injuries as of late, but he’s continued to get starts under center and lead San Fran to victory. There’s no doubt that folks across the league are taking notice of what Jones has done this season, and his strong play has helped the 49ers feel comfortable letting Purdy get 100% healthy before throwing him back on the field.
Ahead of the team’s Week 8 action, Purdy has once again been ruled out, meaning that Jones will earn his sixth start of the season for the 49ers. He will be going up against a tough Houston Texans defense, but to this point, Jones has looked capable of overcoming every challenge he has faced. With kickoff for this game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon, Jones will look to help push the Niners’ record to 6-2 on the season.
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