The San Francisco 49ers have a very unexpected quarterback controversy brewing in the Bay, as Mac Jones has filled in more than admirably while Brock Purdy has been sidelined with a toe injury.
In eight starts for the 49ers this season, Jones has thrown for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 69.6 percent of his passes and posting a 97.4 passer rating.
Jones signed a two-year contract with San Francisco in free agency, but considering that Purdy also signed a massive extension with the Niners during the offseason and that there are plenty of teams around the league still in need of a quarterback, Jones could get dealt after the 2025 campaign concludes.
With Jones’ future up in the air, the former first-round pick is just trying to stay within the moment.
"I really just try to take it day by day," Jones said. "I've never tried to look ahead - it's hard not to - but I never want to do that. I want to focus on each week."
The 49ers have gone 5-3 in Jones’ starts this season and are 6-4 on the year overall, but based on how much money they are paying Purdy, it seems hard to imagine they will abandon the signal-caller who led them to a Super Bowl appearance just two years ago. Surely, Jones understands that.
"I've just been really fortunate to be here this year," added Jones. "I want to just try and find ways to win games for us, and that's all I'm here to do and the future will take care of itself."
Jones has also playing well in spite of being without a couple of key weapons in Brandon Aiyuk - who has been sidelined all year while recovering from a torn ACL - and Ricky Pearsall, who has been out since injuring his knee in Week 4.
There is no question that Jones should draw considerable interest on the trade market, especially considering that he did make the Pro Bowl during his rookie year with the New England Patriots back in 2021.
But is there a chance the 49ers keep him for 2026 as Purdy insurance? We’ll see, and it’s worth noting that Purdy also appears to be nearing a return.
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