Much like Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold did in 2023, Mac Jones has revitalized his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Darnold used his 2023 season in San Francisco as a springboard to a starting opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings and eventually a lucrative deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Jones hopes his own resurgence with the 49ers can create a similar NFL trajectory, even though he remains under contract.


Jones signed a two-year deal with the 49ers in 2025, keeping him tied to the team through next season. However, quarterback-needy teams could show interest after his strong performance while Brock Purdy was sidelined with turf toe. Jones started eight games, won five, and, more importantly, kept San Francisco in playoff contention during a critical early stretch.

The 49ers have publicly expressed a desire to keep Jones on the roster, but both sides understand the realities of the NFL.

Mac Jones embracing the business side of the NFL


Appearing on the Monday Mornings with Mitch podcast, Jones acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future.

After Super Bowl LX, Darnold told reporters that he is grateful for what he learned from head coach Kyle Shanahan and Purdy during his season with the 49ers, believing it was instrumental in turning his career around.

RELATEDSuper Bowl champion Sam Darnold credits two 49ers for career turnaround
It sounds like Jones believes something similar.


"Look, I signed a two-year deal here, and I've absolutely loved it," Jones said. "I got that joy back that I was looking for. I talked about the PhD in football. I truly believe that I got that this year. Things I didn't—maybe thought I knew—but I didn't know yet, and Kyle helped me find that. So, I'm looking forward to doing it again next year, but as you know, it's a business, and they have to make a business decision, and I have to, too.

"I love the 49ers, so if I'm here, I'm going to be happy, and if something happens, we know what I can do. I proved that this year, and when I've had the right situation, I feel like I've proved that. So, I'm excited for it. As you know, it's a waiting game [filled with] unpredictability."


A valuable career reset in San Francisco


Jones finished the 2025 season with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, showing he can still be an NFL starter in the right system.

More importantly, he rediscovered his passion for the game.

"That, to me, is worth a lot of money, just getting that back, and getting back to winning," Jones said. "I found that when we were in Jacksonville. I do believe I had fun, even though, considering the circumstances. But I was searching for that."


Shanahan's influence was significant in that process. The 49ers were heavily linked to Jones ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft before ultimately selecting Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick, a move that ultimately did not pan out.

Reuniting with Shanahan years later was an opportunity too good to pass up.

"Kyle and I, I feel like we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft," Jones said. "Obviously, it went different ways, but that's what it's all about, reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot."

Jones also previously learned about Shanahan's offensive system from veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer during their time together in New England.

"Brian Hoyer used to be my backup in New England, and just hearing the stories about Kyle and how he sees the run game and the pass game, and running the team meetings, it was just interesting," Jones said. "And finally, I got to see it this year, and that was just awesome. If I have to, obviously, be here, it'd be great."


Whether Jones remains with the 49ers or lands elsewhere, his 2025 season proved he still belongs, and, like Darnold, he may have positioned himself for another opportunity as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

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