The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0, and a large reason why is backup quarterback Mac Jones. The former first-round pick by the New England Patriots has found himself in a bit of a journeyman role after going to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Since that first year in the league, Jones has struggled wherever and whenever he went.
At just 27 years old, Jones looks to be following in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold by reviving his career elsewhere than where he was drafted. Mayfield was the first overall pick in 2018 and looked to be the man in Cleveland, but the Browns were unhappy with his play in 2021 and opted to move on from him, causing the franchise to fall apart in the process.
Mayfield would eventually land in Tampa Bay and become a two-time Pro Bowler. Now, Mayfield is a no-doubt Top 10 quarterback and has two Pro Bowls to his name, while proving everyone wrong. Darnold, taken just a few picks after Mayfield in the same draft, was seen as the New York Jets' savior. He wouldn't be. After struggling everywhere he went, he eventually landed in Minnesota, where he had an iconic season with the Vikings.
So big, in fact, the Seattle Seahawks made him their starter. Now, Darnold's no longer seeing 'ghosts' but is now seeing the endzone a lot thanks to his stellar play.
Jones, who, like Darnold and Mayfled, was a once vaunted prospect who fell by the wayside, and now, through two games, it looks like that comparison is truly apt. He's sitting on the verge of earning himself another shot as a team's starter come 2026, especially if Purdy remains out for a few more weeks. If Jones can lead a 49ers offense that's lacking its best players, and is constantly banged up to a 4-0, 5-0, 4-1, or a 5-1 type record, then you know teams will come calling for his talents in 2026.
This would be the best-case scenario for the 49ers, assuming Purdy returns and plays well. If that happens, then Jones becomes expendable, and since he's under contract through 2026, the 49ers could trade Jones for some nice draft capital. Helping set up the team for the future.
Should no teams come calling, the 49ers would still have a quality backup quarterback who's proven the ability to win despite the lack of top-tier talent around him.