Some believe that the signing of quarterback Mac Jones—a player head coach Kyle Shanahan coveted in the 2021 NFL Draft before ultimately choosing Trey Lance—was a negotiation tactic by the San Francisco 49ers in their contract extension talks with Brock Purdy. However, it's just as likely that Shanahan simply saw Jones as an available option to replace Brandon Allen and Josh Dobbs, who left in free agency.
A former first-round pick, Jones brings significant experience, having played in 52 games and started 49 over his four NFL seasons, including seven starts with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. Shanahan has also preferred backup quarterbacks whose playing styles closely mirror that of his starter, so the offense doesn't need to make major adjustments if the backup is called upon. That is why Allen initially won the QB2 job over Dobbs last season.
So, will Jones impact negotiations for Purdy's long-term extension? Jacob Robinson of The Athletic doesn't think so. Robinson notes that in the time since the 49ers drafted Purdy as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, 64 quarterbacks have attempted 200 or more passes. Among those, Purdy ranks first in expected points added (EPA) per drop-back and yards per attempt. Additionally, his 104.9 passer rating ranks second, and his win total ranks seventh. Purdy has also won four playoff games since entering the league.
Purdy has helped guide the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl since entering the league. While his achievements rank high, his salary has ranked low, making him one of the NFL's best bargains since 2022.
Robinson points out that no one expects the 49ers to make a drastic move, such as ending contract talks or trading Purdy, just because Jones has joined the team.
"The 49ers' winning percentage drops from 64.3 to 53.3 without Purdy," Robinson wrote. "He missed two games in 2024, and they lost both by a combined margin of 51 points."
Furthermore, Robinson highlights that the 49ers' offseason moves, intended to limit cash spending but resulting in the departure of several veteran contributors, suggest a strong desire to lock Purdy into a long-term deal.
"The 49ers have $42 million in 2025 cap space (and $65 million in 2026, 10th-most per OverTheCap), which gives them flexibility in structuring their 25-year-old quarterback's deal," Robinson concluded.