49ers give Brock Purdy extra competition with Mac Jones signing

The San Francisco 49ers have subtracted many of their best role players in the 2025 offseason, likely in anticipation of paying quarterback Brock Purdy a big contract. The 49ers aren't done lighting a fire under him, however, as their latest signing proves.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract that could help him earn as much as $11.5 million. Ian Rapoport claims that part of the season Jones decided to go to San Francisco above anywhere else was the presence of noted quarterback guru and developer Kyle Shanahan.

Jones, who was reportedly very close to becoming a 49er in the past after their rumored interest in him during the 2021 NFL Draft, will now get a chance to follow the Sam Darnold path. If he learns from Shanahan, he could be someone who gives Purdy a bit of competition.

49ers sign former first-round pick Mac Jones to back up Brock Purdy

After making a Pro Bowl in his rookie season with the Patriots, Jones played so poorly over the next two seasons that he was traded to the Jaguars for pennies on the dollar. Jones completed 65.3% of his passes and threw for eight touchdowns against eight interceptions in 10 games, seven of which he started.

While Jones did struggle despite standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr. in the fold, that Jaguars team was so wretched that even starter Trevor Lawrence had a relatively down season. Even without Deebo Samuel, San Francisco has a much better offensive structure.

Since arriving in San Francisco, Shanahan has twice made Super Bowl participants out of teams led by athletically limited quarterbacks with average arm talent and a propensity for getting the ball out quickly. Purdy and Jimmy Garoppolo worked for Shanahan in the past. Why can't Jones be the same?

Jones, ideally, will not play a snap for the 49ers as Purdy takes the leap to stardom many want to see. However, given Purdy's slight frame and down season in 2024, adding Jones could be a sign from either Shanahan or the front office that they aren't over the moon with his play.