Mac Jones says he is staying patient in San Francisco while trade rumors keep his name in circulation. The 49ers quarterback said he is content as Brock Purdy’s backup, even with a revised 2026 contract and a market that could shift later in the season.
Mac Jones and San Francisco
“My feet are in San Francisco,” Jones said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. He also said, “I’m excited for this year, to be honest.”
Jones did not sound like a player angling for a quick exit. He said, “Look, I love (49ers GM) John (Lynch), I love (49ers coach) Kyle (Shanahan), the York family. It’s the best organization I feel like that I’ve played for in terms of just top-to-bottom greatness, so far, and I don’t like leaving good people. I hope they enjoy having me there.”
That fits the role he has now. Jones is Brock Purdy’s backup, and he said he is content in that spot while keeping his focus on the summer work in front of him. He put it plainly: “I really just want to keep getting better.”
2025 changed his market
The reason his name still comes up is simple. In the 2025 season, Jones went 5-3 in eight starts and kept the 49ers competitive in Purdy’s absence. That run gave him a proof point beyond the backup label.
Jones also said, “I played decent last year.” He followed that with, “I think I can play a lot better, which is what I’m striving to do this summer -- improve on my technique and see if that helps me and elevates me to get a big deal or something in the future.”
The 49ers adjusted his deal in May, adding a $300,000 roster bonus. His pay is set at $3.55 million in 2026, with the chance to add another $2.5 million in incentives. That combination keeps him affordable for San Francisco and interesting to other teams if a starting-caliber quarterback becomes available.
Jones also left the door open without moving it. “Anything’s possible, right?” he said, before adding, “I mean, the trade deadline’s not until a little bit through the season.” He even framed his approach with a simple line: “I always say be where your feet are.”
For now, his feet are in San Francisco. The contract gives the 49ers a useful backup at a manageable number, while his 2025 starts and his own words keep him on the edge of the trade conversation if the season creates a market for him.
