Best free-agent signing: QB Mac Jones
Who knows how the 49ers' 2025 season might have unfolded without quarterback Mac Jones on the roster? Starter Brock Purdy missed eight games with a turf toe injury, and Jones stepped in to keep San Francisco in contention.
The veteran backup finished the season with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, going 5-3 as a starter and keeping the 49ers in contention while Purdy was sidelined. He proved to be a valuable offseason addition.
"When Jones landed with Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers, most expected him to take a de facto sabbatical and learn under Brock Purdy," Locker wrote. "Instead, the former Patriot was called into action after Purdy was injured — and he seized the opportunity. Jones recorded a 75.4 PFF passing grade and a 79.6% adjusted completion percentage in nine games, with his body of work potentially opening the door for a starting opportunity elsewhere."
Now, the 49ers must determine Jones' future. He remains under contract through the 2026 season, but other teams are likely to explore whether San Francisco would entertain trade discussions. At the same time, Jones' importance as a reliable backup behind Purdy has already been firmly established.
Worst free-agent signing: TE Luke Farrell
Tight end Luke Farrell proved to be a far less impactful free-agent addition. Farrell finished the season with just 11 receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns while logging 404 offensive snaps.
By comparison, fellow backup tight end Jake Tonges—who had not caught an NFL pass prior to the 2025 season—recorded 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns while playing 399 offensive snaps.
"Farrell was awarded a three-year contract primarily based on his blocking prowess, but that didn't entirely carry over in his first season with the 49ers," Locker wrote. "The ex-Jaguar allowed two sacks on 36 pass-blocking snaps, and he was outsnapped by rookie tight end Jake Tonges by the end of the year. Farrell's contract wasn't necessarily monstrous, but his play didn't seem to correlate with the value granted."
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