Mac Jones did not last particularly long with the New England Patriots after being selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. New England's front office, unfortunately, traded Jones just three years later in exchange for only a sixth-round draft pick in 2024. I say it's unfortunate because Jones' selection marked the first time since 1993 that the Patriots drafted a quarterback in the first round (Drew Bledsoe).
After a falling out with former head coach Bill Belichick, a declining Jones ended his Patriots tenure by being benched for the final six weeks of the 2023 season before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars the following offseason.
Although the Jaguars acquired Jones from the Patriots, Jacksonville declined the fifth-year option on his contract, making him a free agent following the 2024 campaign.
Jones finished the 2024 season as Jacksonville's starter with 1,672 yards on a 65.3 completion percentage with eight touchdowns in 10 appearances, seven of which were starts. In many ways, he performed better than Lawrence. A simple comparison of the production from WR Brian Thomas Jr. at the end of last season to what it was at the beginning of this season shows this.
This past offseason, Jones signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers to serve as the primary backup to Brock Purdy. While it certainly wasn't the plan entering the 2025 campaign, Jones has already been called upon in the early part of the season, as the former first-round pick has started two games due to Purdy being too injured to play.
Mac Jones Is Resurrecting His Career With The 49ers
In only two games, Jones totaled 563 yards and four touchdowns while leading the Niners to victories in Weeks 2 and 3. Jones battled in a way that I’ve never seen from him in the NFL, and I think it might’ve resurrected his career.
This wouldn't be the first time in recent memory that we've seen a QB use a successful stint under Kyle Shanahan as a springboard to a fresh start to a career. Jones could take a similar path to Sam Darnold, following his time in San Francisco working under Kyle Shanahan. From there, Darnold went to the Minnesota Vikings and had an MVP-caliber season in 2024. Now, he’s the starter for the Seattle Seahawks.
It’s worth mentioning that Shanahan and the 49ers have been connected to Jones since the 2021 draft. Shanahan wanted to draft him, but they ultimately decided to go with Trey Lance instead. Now, four years later, Jones is on the 49ers working with Shanahan and looks better than ever.
For Jones to become relevant again in the NFL, being in San Francisco is the best option for the future of his career.