BREAKING: Mac Jones, 49ers agree to terms on 2-year deal: Kyle Shanahan lands Brock Purdy’s backup
Quarterback Mac Jones has agreed to a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth up to $7 million, according to a league source. The contract includes $5 million in guaranteed money and can reach up to $11.5 million with incentives.
Jones, ranked as the sixth-best quarterback and No. 101 overall free agent on The Athletic’s top 150 list, started seven games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 as a backup to Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars won just two of those games, both against the Tennessee Titans, with Jones finishing the season with a 65.3% completion rate, 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 10 total appearances.
Prior to his time in Jacksonville, Jones started 42 games for the New England Patriots over three seasons. His rookie year was promising, as the Patriots went 10-7 and made the playoffs. However, in 2022, under offensive coordinator Matt Patricia and quarterback coach Joe Judge, Jones’ performance declined, and the team struggled. He was benched for backup Bailey Zappe in his final six games with New England.
Jones was selected 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, where he won two College Football Playoff national championships. Leading up to the draft, he was considered a favorite of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, as San Francisco was expected to pick a quarterback with the third overall pick. However, the 49ers chose Trey Lance instead, who lasted just two seasons in San Francisco before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
Source: Mac Jones has agreed to terms with the #49ers on a 2-year deal for $7M with 5M guaranteed. Max value of $11.5M. A new, experienced backup for Brock Purdy. pic.twitter.com/mSpazHZQ4e
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2025
By the time of Lance’s trade, Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 draft, had become the starting quarterback. Purdy remains the starter and is set to sign a significant contract extension this offseason, with Jones now expected to serve as his backup.