The San Francisco 49ers recently solidified their future at quarterback by signing Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract extension. To bolster their depth chart, the team also added an experienced backup—one many thought they might select in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Mac Jones once viewed the 49ers as a potential destination ahead of the 2021 draft. However, San Francisco chose Trey Lance at No. 3 overall, and Jones landed with the New England Patriots at No. 15.


This offseason, Jones signed with the 49ers in free agency, aiming to rejuvenate his career after stints with the Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars. While some have noted his struggles during the team's offseason program, it's not unexpected, as he's learning a new system.

"Everything's based on timing and rhythm and also playing off structure," Jones said earlier this month. "So, it has all three elements of quarterback play. And yeah, it's really interesting to watch it and see how they see the game because it is the correct way to see it. And as you can tell, the quarterback play is very efficient."

In a feature for ESPN, reporter Nick Wagoner detailed Jones' early months with the 49ers and the path that brought him to the Bay Area. The coaching staff immediately focused on addressing perceived flaws in his fundamentals.

"Upon arrival in San Francisco, Jones went through an intensive course focused on fixing his fundamentals," Wagoner wrote. "For three weeks, Shanahan, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi went through cutups of Jones' previous film, as well as tape of other signal callers showing Jones things like the footwork needed to succeed in the offense."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was admittedly enamored with Jones heading into the 2021 draft, believes this focused work will help Jones develop into a more polished passer. Wagoner noted that while Jones has experienced some mistake-filled practices, he has been eager to learn from the 49ers' coaching staff.


Jones will also benefit from observing Brock Purdy, who has shown how mastering Shanahan's offense can pay dividends. Another former 49ers backup, Sam Darnold, parlayed his limited opportunities with San Francisco into a contract with the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a lucrative deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

"Mac's a really good thrower," offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said in May. "He stands in the pocket, he's a strong guy, and he's really smart. And so, he's got a lot of traits that we like for a starting quarterback, and his career has kind of gone up and down a little bit the past couple years, but we saw the same things in Jacksonville that we loved about him as a college prospect, and that really excites us."

Kubiak added, "He's doing a great job, and I think Mac's capable of being a starter in this league. And so, he's going to help us if he needs to."

Jones and the 49ers will continue building their comfort level with one another throughout training camp, which begins in three weeks, as he gains more reps and prepares for the possibility of stepping into the offense if needed.

Related News




Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News