San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones appeared on NFL Network's The Insiders on Wednesday and discussed his future in the league. Jones is under contract through the 2026 season after signing a two-year deal with San Francisco last year. His goal was to learn from head coach Kyle Shanahan, work alongside starting quarterback Brock Purdy, and revive his NFL career.
Jones was not expected to see significant playing time during the 2025 season. However, a turf toe injury sidelined Purdy and thrust Jones into the starting role for eight games. He responded by winning five games and keeping the 49ers in playoff contention, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
If 2025 proved anything, Jones believes it reaffirmed his ability to be an NFL starter.
"I started half the games, and we did well," Jones said. "I signed a two-year deal in San Francisco, so my whole goal was to get back on track, and get with Kyle, just work with him, and learn, and get my PhD in football, is what I've been saying, because it's true. And if I have to do that again next year, I'll be really excited.
"I feel like it's a good fit for me. And honestly, it's a business. You know how this goes. And I've proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts, so I know how to do it, but it's also a business, and I understand both sides of it."
From The Insiders live from Radio Row: #49ers QB Mac Jones joined the show to discuss his former team, facing the #Seahawks… and what his future holds. pic.twitter.com/CJ6Ds1fqQY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2026
Jones added that his season with the 49ers helped him rediscover his enjoyment for the game and that he "meshed well" with teammates and coaches.
"I feel like it was very laid back, but we put in a lot of work in OTAs," Jones said. "And just for them to take me under their wing, and for me to learn from all the Hall of Fame players that we have, was just awesome. And Kyle has just been great for me. We're really on the same—I call it the same Wi-Fi. We're really just a good match, so it's been fun."
While the 49ers are not ruling out a trade, the organization has publicly stated its desire to keep Jones through at least next season.
"As with any player on our team, including myself and [GM] John [Lynch], you always listen to people with trade offers," Shanahan said, "but we're also not into getting rid of good players. And so, I'd be very surprised if Mac wasn't around us next year."
Jones, meanwhile, says he is focused on the present and continuing his development, rather than speculating about his future.
"I always just try to be where my feet are," Jones said. "What I do know is you've got to be in the right situation. That's definitely what I learned this year, just being in the right offense with playmakers around you. That's important. So, any quarterback that's in free agency or could get traded, or whatever your situation is, you want to go somewhere that fits and makes sense.
"At the end of the day, that's what I want in San Francisco, and I think we'll see what happens. I think it's good to be talked about, and at the end of the day, I want to just keep playing good ball."