Jones was not expected to see significant playing time during the 2025 season. However, a turf toe injury sidelined Purdy and thrust Jones into the starting role for eight games. He responded by winning five games and keeping the 49ers in playoff contention, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
If 2025 proved anything, Jones believes it reaffirmed his ability to be an NFL starter.
"I started half the games, and we did well," Jones said. "I signed a two-year deal in San Francisco, so my whole goal was to get back on track, and get with Kyle, just work with him, and learn, and get my PhD in football, is what I've been saying, because it's true. And if I have to do that again next year, I'll be really excited.
"I feel like it's a good fit for me. And honestly, it's a business. You know how this goes. And I've proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts, so I know how to do it, but it's also a business, and I understand both sides of it."
Jones added that his season with the 49ers helped him rediscover his enjoyment for the game and that he "meshed well" with teammates and coaches.
"I feel like it was very laid back, but we put in a lot of work in OTAs," Jones said. "And just for them to take me under their wing, and for me to learn from all the Hall of Fame players that we have, was just awesome. And Kyle has just been great for me. We're really on the same—I call it the same Wi-Fi. We're really just a good match, so it's been fun."
While the 49ers are not ruling out a trade, the organization has publicly stated its desire to keep Jones through at least next season.
"As with any player on our team, including myself and [GM] John [Lynch], you always listen to people with trade offers," Shanahan said, "but we're also not into getting rid of good players. And so, I'd be very surprised if Mac wasn't around us next year."
Jones, meanwhile, says he is focused on the present and continuing his development, rather than speculating about his future.
"I always just try to be where my feet are," Jones said. "What I do know is you've got to be in the right situation. That's definitely what I learned this year, just being in the right offense with playmakers around you. That's important. So, any quarterback that's in free agency or could get traded, or whatever your situation is, you want to go somewhere that fits and makes sense.
"At the end of the day, that's what I want in San Francisco, and I think we'll see what happens. I think it's good to be talked about, and at the end of the day, I want to just keep playing good ball."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Watch: 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall gears up to silence doubters in 2026
San Francisco 49ers veterans report to training camp on Saturday, and for wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the 2026 season represents a chance to prove he was worthy of the team's first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pearsall has missed 14 games over his first two NFL... -
Former 49ers star says 'rest in peace' to Brandon Aiyuk's NFL career
Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy lands surprising spot in 2026 fantasy football rankings
Where does San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy rank among the NFL's top fantasy football quarterbacks entering the 2026 season? NFL Media's Dan Parr released his fantasy football quarterback rankings for NFL.com, organizing the league's top signal-callers into draft... -
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL...