Following an organized team activity in early June at Levi’s Stadium, new San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones addressed the media for roughly 11 minutes, revealing some frustrations as he reflected on his career journey. Jones openly discussed his struggles on the practice field, including missing open receivers and throwing an interception, which highlighted the areas he and the team need to improve as he settles into his role as backup to Brock Purdy. He emphasized his focus on committing fully to his throws and learning from his past mistakes to regain confidence and fine-tune his decision-making.
Despite being a highly regarded draft prospect in 2021, Jones was ultimately selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots after the 49ers chose another quarterback higher in the draft. His tenure with the Patriots was mixed; after a promising rookie season, his performance declined in subsequent years, leading to a trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he had limited success. Entering free agency in 2025, Jones sought a team with a strong quarterback development program, leading to his reunion with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan—a connection that seemed inevitable and welcomed by both parties.
Since joining San Francisco, Jones has undergone an intensive training regime focused on refining his fundamentals under the guidance of offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak and quarterback coach Mick Lombardi. Shanahan expressed optimism about Jones’ progress, noting the quarterback’s willingness to embrace rigorous coaching and learn the intricacies of the 49ers’ offense. Jones’ previous acquaintance with Brock Purdy, from their days at Alabama, serves as a source of inspiration, demonstrating what can be achieved with the right environment and coaching.
The 49ers still believe in Jones’ potential, citing traits that align with their ideal quarterback profile despite his inconsistent past performances. The primary task for Jones is rebuilding confidence and using his previous setbacks as motivation to improve. Currently positioned as Purdy’s backup, Jones could see playing time if needed, with Shanahan stressing the importance of learning from errors rather than dwelling on them to grow as a player.
Fan Take: This development is significant for NFL fans as it highlights the challenging journey and resilience required for quarterbacks to succeed at the highest level. Jones’ opportunity with the 49ers could not only revive his career but also reinforce the value of strong coaching and environment in shaping NFL talent, potentially influencing how teams approach quarterback development in the future.
