The San Francisco 49ers have quarterback Mac Jones under contract for one more season, and his strong showing in 2025 could draw interest from teams exploring a potential trade for the veteran backup and former first-round pick.
Jones stepped in for Brock Purdy while the starter battled a turf toe injury and delivered steady production. Starting eight games, Jones went 5-3, throwing for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. His performance helped keep the 49ers in the playoff hunt during a turbulent stretch of the season.
As players cleaned out their lockers Monday following the 49ers' playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Jones reflected on his 2025 campaign and what lies ahead.
"I think this year was just awesome for me to be around these guys, and the coaches, players, everybody," Jones told reporters. "It was just so fun to get, as I say, the train back on the tracks, and that's what I wanted to do.
"So I put a lot of good film out there. In a way, I had two seasons in one. I had a season as a starter, kind of, and a season as a backup. So it was really good for me. Had a lot of fun and excited for what's next."
Jones signed with San Francisco, understanding the situation. After uneven stints with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, he saw the 49ers as an opportunity to reset his career in Kyle Shanahan's offense—and to win and have fun along the way.
"I love everybody here, and it was exciting this year," Jones said. "I felt like every time I came into work, it wasn't work. We're having fun in the quarterback room, in the offensive meeting, on the practice fields. And then, I just carried it into games.
"For me, to have back-to-back years where I played eight games was awesome for me. I feel like that's just, as a backup, sometimes you don't know when your time's gonna be. So, really excited for that opportunity that I had."
Jones described his season learning under Shanahan and working alongside Purdy as the equivalent of earning a PhD in football. While he remains under contract as part of a two-year deal, Jones made it clear he still views himself as a starting-caliber quarterback—an opinion his 2025 film may reinforce around the league.
That said, if the 49ers choose to retain Jones as Purdy's backup in 2026, he's comfortable with that scenario as well.
"I mean, that's why I came here, knowing that I wanted to be around Kyle and such a great system," Jones said. "And knowing that it was a good fit for me. So yeah, that's part of it, and I think, for me, the challenge is keep getting better this offseason."
For now, Jones isn't dwelling on trade speculation or roster decisions. His focus remains on improvement and being ready when the next opportunity arises.
"Whatever happens, happens," Jones said of potentially remaining in red and gold. "And I love the guys here, and that would be fine."
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