Former Alabama QB ‘not stressing about’ backup role

After logging 50 starts as an NFL quarterback, Mac Jones made a strategic move to sign with the San Francisco 49ers last offseason. While he arrived in a backup role, the former Alabama All-American proved he was ready when called upon, stepping in for eight starts while Brock Purdy recovered from a toe injury.

Proven Production

Jones made his presence felt during the 2025 season, starting games two, three, and five through 10. The 49ers emerged victorious in five of those outings. Across his eight starts, Jones was efficient, completing 201-of-289 passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His average of 268.9 passing yards per game ranked second among signal-callers with at least eight starts that season, while his 97.4 passing-efficiency rating landed him 13th.

Stability and Mindset

Having signed a two-year contract, Jones is not concerned with the noise of potential trades. Addressing the importance of contract length, Jones said, “What if I was on a one-year deal and played like crap and then I’m on the street? So I’ll take any years you can get in the league. Just being on a team is a blessing for me.”

Jones emphasized that he is not stressing his position on the depth chart. In fact, he noted that this will be the first time since 2019 that he has worked with the same offensive coordinator in consecutive years. “I think people are seeing what type of teammate I can be,” he explained. “It’ll be interesting to see if I can stack a good year.”

According to Jones, the organization made it clear early in the offseason that he was not on the trade block. “I’m fired up about it,” he added. “I’m not really in the business of leaving good people.”

Building a Legacy

Jones entered the league as the 15th overall pick in the 2021 draft following a national championship run at Alabama. After an initial playoff stint and Pro Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots, Jones navigated a trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, where he started seven games amidst injury concerns. Reflecting on his evolution, Jones said, “I know that if I go out there on Sunday and have the right mindset and have that warrior mentality that I can play really good football.”

Currently, Jones is fully committed to his role supporting Purdy. “My job is to support Brock. It’s his team,” he stated. As he heads into the summer, the quarterback is prioritizing physical health and consistency. After missing final offseason activities due to minor shoulder soreness, he remains focused on the future: “Everything’s clean and looks good, so just kind of being precautionary, I guess, is the word. But, yeah, I’ll be ready for training camp.”

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