The decision between Jones and Lance wasn't an easy one for head coach Kyle Shanahan. He later admitted that both were finalists for the 49ers' top draft choice in 2021. Jones eventually landed with the New England Patriots at No. 15 overall, spending three seasons there before a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin ranked the Jones-49ers pairing as the No. 9 backup quarterback situation entering the 2025 NFL season, citing the strong fit between Jones and Shanahan's system as a key factor.
"This is almost exclusively about the Kyle Shanahan fit," Benjamin explained. "Famously pegged a favorite of the San Francisco 49ers coach ahead of the [2021] draft (before the team pivoted to the more athletic Trey Lance with its first-round pick), Jones has yet to replicate the smooth touch of his New England Patriots debut."
Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod during his rookie campaign, throwing for a career-best 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. While his production dipped in subsequent seasons, Benjamin believes his skill set matches what Shanahan values in a quarterback.
"He's a stylistic match as a take-what's-given point guard, though, even if he's nowhere near as elusive as starter Brock Purdy," Benjamin added.
For those wondering who took the top spot in Benjamin's backup QB rankings, it was the Los Angeles Rams, thanks to former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo backing up Matthew Stafford.
"He may be dependent on his system, but McVay's setup is among the game's friendliest," Benjamin wrote of Garoppolo. "L.A.'s playoff hopes wouldn't be dashed if he's called upon."
As the 49ers look to bounce back in 2025, having a proven and system-friendly quarterback like Jones behind Purdy gives San Francisco added stability at the game's most crucial position.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Where does 49ers' Mac Jones rank among NFL backup QBs by trade value?
Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction. Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and... -
49ers named ideal landing spot for three free agents, including two pass rushers
The San Francisco 49ers will face a tougher road through the NFC West in 2026 after the Los Angeles Rams showed they are all-in on their quest for another Super Bowl by acquiring star pass rusher Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade. If the 49ers hope to keep pace in a loaded... -
49ers insider doesn't dismiss Mac Jones returning after 2026
It seems unlikely that quarterback Mac Jones will return to the San Francisco 49ers in 2027, especially if he sees the field during the upcoming season and performs at the same high level he showed in 2025. However, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area isn't ruling out the... -
Expert names 49ers QB Brock Purdy as MVP candidate; Mac Jones trade talk continues
ESPN NFL analyst Seth Walder recently released his way-too-early list of the top 10 candidates for the NFL MVP award, and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made the cut. Purdy missed several games last season while battling a lingering turf toe injury. Despite the...