The San Francisco 49ers are faced with a good problem to have- the team has two solid quarterbacks.
Brock Purdy is the franchise quarterback, while Mac Jones is probably the best backup in the league. Jones has plenty of starting experience, and he kept the team afloat in 2025 when Purdy missed eight games.
In 2025, Jones started eight games and threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. The quarterback went 5-3 in his eight starts.
Jones is just the latest quarterback reclamation project of Kyle Shanahan. The problem is, quality quarterbacks are always in high demand, so the 49ers probably won't be able to keep both Purdy and Jones long-term.
As a result, the 49ers have a big decision to make soon.
Can 49ers Convince Jones to Stay?
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Jones is currently playing out a two-year, $8.4 million contract. The former first-round pick is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season, and there's no doubt that he will have a healthy market.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recently identified the most important contract decision for each team in 2026. Naturally, the 49ers' biggest decision revolves around Jones.
"After a promising start to his career in New England. Mac Jones had fallen off the radar until 2025," Davenport explained. "Taking over for the injured Brock Purdy, Jones made eight starts for the 49ers, setting career-highs in completion percentage (69.6) and passer rating (97.4)."
Jones didn't work out as a starter in New England, but he's thriving in San Francisco, as many quarterbacks have.
"But convincing Jones to stay in San Fran when there could be opportunities to start elsewhere is an awfully hard sale. And it's going to cost a lot more than the $4.5 million Jones is making this year," Davenport continued.
The 49ers have to decide how much they're willing to spend on a backup quarterback, and Jones has to decide if he values the stability of the 49ers are a starting role elsewhere more. The 49ers will definitely want to keep Jones due to Purdy's injury history, but it may not be feasible.
This is going to come down to what Jones values. If he wants stability and the chance to win a Super Bowl, he'll stay a backup in San Francisco. If he wants to prove he can still be a starter, though, there's nothing the 49ers will be able to do to keep him.
