Former Alabama National Champion Mac Jones Inks $7M Deal with 49ers

Mac Jones, the former Alabama quarterback who led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2021, has signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, including $5 million guaranteed. This move reunites Jones with head coach Kyle Shanahan, who had previously considered drafting him in 2021.

Early Life and College Career

Born Michael McCorkle Jones on September 5, 1998, in Jacksonville, Florida, Mac Jones exhibited athletic talent from a young age. He attended The Bolles School, where he led the football team to a state championship. Jones committed to the University of Alabama, where he redshirted his freshman year in 2017. He served as a backup quarterback in 2018 and 2019 before taking over as the starter in 2020. During that season, Jones led the Crimson Tide to a national championship, throwing for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His performance earned him unanimous All-American honors and the Davey O’Brien Award.

NFL Draft and Early Career with the Patriots

In the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Jones 15th overall, making him the fifth quarterback taken in the first round. He quickly earned the starting job and led the Patriots to a 10-7 record, securing a playoff berth. Jones threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection as an alternate.

Challenges and Transition

The 2022 season presented challenges for Jones. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels departed to coach the Las Vegas Raiders, and head coach Bill Belichick appointed defensive coach Matt Patricia as the offensive play-caller and special teams coach Joe Judge as the quarterbacks coach. The unconventional coaching setup led to a decline in Jones’s performance; he completed 65.2% of his passes for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with the Patriots finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs.

In 2023, Bill O’Brien returned as the offensive coordinator, but Jones’s struggles continued. He completed 64.9% of his passes for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over 11 games before being replaced by Bailey Zappe. The Patriots traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick before the 2024 season.

Stint with the Jaguars

Serving as the backup to Trevor Lawrence, Jones appeared in 10 games during the 2024 season, starting seven due to Lawrence’s shoulder injury. He completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The Jaguars went 2-5 in his starts, averaging 15 points per game.

Signing with the 49ers

Jones’s decision to sign with the 49ers stems from his desire to work with Kyle Shanahan, who had considered drafting him in 2021. The 49ers traded three first-round picks to move up to the third overall selection that year and debated between Jones and Trey Lance before selecting Lance. Shanahan later admitted that Jones was a strong contender for the pick.

With Brock Purdy established as the starter, Jones is expected to serve as the primary backup. The 49ers were in the market for a backup quarterback after Joshua Dobbs left in free agency to join the Patriots, and Brandon Allen also became a free agent.

Implications for the 49ers

Jones’s signing provides the 49ers with a seasoned backup quarterback who has starting experience and a history of success in a structured offensive system. His familiarity with pro-style offenses aligns with Shanahan’s scheme, potentially offering a seamless transition if called upon to play.

The move also reflects the 49ers’ commitment to building a robust quarterback room, ensuring depth and reliability at the position. Jones’s presence could foster healthy competition and provide valuable insights during game preparations.

Conclusion

Mac Jones’s journey from a national championship at Alabama to his recent signing with the San Francisco 49ers highlights a career marked by early success, challenges, and resilience. His addition to the 49ers not only strengthens their quarterback depth but also reunites him with a coach who once saw him as a potential franchise quarterback. As the 2025 season approaches, Jones’s role in San Francisco will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.