Mac Jones embracing uncertain 49ers future after impressive first season

SANTA CLARA — Mac Jones will be happy wherever he plays in 2026, but the desire to be a starter for an NFL franchise still is his goal. There is no doubt that the 49ers would not have played in the playoffs without Jones’ help, but now, after a 5-3 record as a starter this season, he could be a target for a quarterback-needy team. “I’m on a two-year deal, but I believe I’m a starter in this league, and I’m excited to continue to get better this offseason and see what happens,” Jones said Monday. “In a way, I had two good seasons in one. I had a season as a starter, kind of, and a season as a backup. “It was really good for me. Had a lot of fun and I’m excited for what’s next.” Through Jones’ 11 games with the 49ers — eight as a starter, the quarterback completed 201 of his 289 attempts for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Jones’ completion percentage (69.6), rating (97.4) and touchdown percentage (4.5) all were the best of his career. “It was just so fun to get, like they say, the train back on the tracks,”...