The New England Patriots are among the more interesting teams in this period of free agency in the NFL, having pulled off a number of moves to build the roster around new head coach Miek Vrabel's vision.
There are significant holes on the roster, though recent first-round pick Drake Maye appears to be a legitimate answer at quartebrack for the foreseeable future.
One recent selection, one-time Pro Bowler Mac Jones, can't seem to keep a job though just landed a new contract that might resurrect his career.
The #49ers are signing QB Mac Jones to a two-year deal, per @RapSheet. Jones finally joins Kyle Shanahan, who many believed wanted him in the 2021 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/a8Don49CDQ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2025
Former Patriots QB Mac Jones Lands New Contract With NFC Contender
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the San Francisco 49ers signed Jones to a contract after reported suggestions that head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. That obviously didn't come to fruition and Brock Purdy is the theoretical future of the organization, though Jones gives Shanahan an insurance plan if things should go poorlly with the former seventh-round pick.
During his tenure as the starter of the New England Patriots, Jones earned a Pro Bowl nomination and established himself as a rising star before things went south. Shanahan has a well-deserved reputation as someone who can help quarterbacks reach their ceilings, so this gives Jones an opporuntity to resurrect his career.
At the very worst, Jones has been gifted a chance to learn from one of the league's best coaches as he tries to rehabilitate his value. Whether or not it ultimately pays off remains to be seen, though this is a great move for both parties.
From San Francisco's perspective, they have a proven backup if Purdy's precarious injury history becomes a probelm. For Jones, he's landed with an organization known for churning out production despite whoever is starting under center. The Patriots won't regret letting Jones go, though this is an interesting move nonetheless.
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