Despite the fact that New England Patriots fans are fully bought in on Drake Maye, attention can't help but wander to Mac Jones. There is less real interest in the quarterback and more morbid curiosity of what happens to a player who appeared to be a franchise answer.
Considering the fact that Jones helped lead the team to its last playoff berth, this doesn't come as a surprise. The former Patriots starter appeared to be an answer playing point guard at a high level and leading the offense well after Cam Newton dealt with COVID and watched his performance decline.
Jones stepped in and was everything New England fans wanted to see. While the physical limitations were expected, the quarterback played with a level of fire and was able to distribute at a high level.
Despite this, things quickly regressed, and Jones exited the franchise, spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars backing up Trevor Lawrence. An injury to the Jaguar starter provided a glimpse at Jones and served as a reminder of why the team opted to turn the page. Still, the former starter found another ideal landing spot as a backup option.
Former Patriots QB Mac Jones Isn't Reliable in a Backup Role
The San Francisco 49ers signed the backup as the team's second option behind the newly extended Brock Purdy. It is a move the team is quickly going to regret if Purdy misses any time in the 2025 season. With the team's recent injury history, it isn't a stretch to say the backup seems to have an increased chance of seeing playing time in San Francisco.
Injuries to the position are what ended the team's playoff run two seasons ago. Having the security of bringing in a capable bridge quarterback in a great offense was the move the team needed to make. What Jones struggles with isn't going to be elevated even by the elite 49ers' offense. It was a mistake of a signing the team will be lucky if they don't live to regret.
For Jones, it is a great chance to learn from one of the league's better offensive minds and continue an uneven career. There is a scenario where the quarterback never sees action and is able to cash in again in a new landing spot as a backup. The 49ers should hope that this is the case, with the 2025 season doomed if Jones steps into the lineup.