The San Francisco 49ers believe they have found a reliable backup for Brock Purdy. The team signed quarterback Mac Jones to a two-year deal in March, adding valuable depth and insurance behind their franchise starter.
While coaches anticipated an adjustment period as Jones learned head coach Kyle Shanahan's complex offense, the veteran quarterback is quickly picking up the system and making a strong impression during training camp.
"He's picking it up really well," offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak told reporters on Tuesday. "He's been really impressive. Mac's a really smart guy. He got all these reps in OTAs for the first time, and now he's kind of getting the second time through it. You can see improvement."
Jones is now on his third NFL team since being drafted 15th overall by the New England Patriots in 2021—a draft many thought would result in him landing with the 49ers. After spending last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has embraced the opportunity to finally join San Francisco and learn from Shanahan and Purdy within one of the league's most quarterback-friendly systems.
"We've only had a few months together, but Kyle's been really cool, and really smart, the way he sees the game," Jones said earlier this month while participating at Tight End University (TEU). "I've heard the stories, but to be in the room and watch him break down special teams, defense, and offense, it's been really cool for me."
The 49ers are taking a patient approach with Jones, knowing that he isn't expected to be in the spotlight in 2025.
"Yes, there's ups and downs," Kubiak admitted. "Yes, there's times when he needs to be more on it, like anybody does, but Mac's really impressive picking up the offense. I think he's executing really well. Like I keep saying, he needs to keep stacking days and getting better."
Veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who has worked with multiple quarterbacks throughout his career, has been impressed with Jones' command of the huddle.
"I think he's well on his way," Juszczyk said. "I think he's doing a good job of picking things up. ... It is not an easy offense to just walk in here and understand everything. A lot of it is just getting in and out of the huddle, and just understanding how many calls [there are].
"Formations and motions are just so big in this offense. I know that's usually where you see guys struggle early on, but I feel like he continues to get better at it. And he seems like a really cerebral, smart guy, and I'm sure he'll have a good grasp of it here very soon."