After a tumultuous start to his NFL career, Mac Jones has found a new home with the San Francisco 49ers, where he hopes to turn things around under the mentorship of head coach Kyle Shanahan. Drafted 15th overall by the New England Patriots in 2021, Jones showed promise in his rookie season but struggled in the following years, leading to his trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. Now, as the 49ers' backup quarterback behind Brock Purdy, Jones is determined to rebuild his confidence and refine his skills.

A Rocky Road to San Francisco

Jones' journey to the 49ers has been anything but smooth. After a promising rookie season with the Patriots, where he posted a 56.9 QBR, his performance declined sharply in 2022 and 2023, with QBRs of 38.4 and 37.5, respectively. A brief stint with the Jaguars didn’t yield the improvement many had hoped for, as Jones managed only a 39.8 QBR in seven starts.

Learning from the Best

Now, Jones is focused on learning from Shanahan, who has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. The 49ers' coaching staff has been working closely with Jones to address his fundamentals, particularly his footwork and decision-making. Shanahan has emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes, even in practice, to prepare for game situations.

A New Beginning

Jones' arrival in San Francisco has been met with optimism. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak believes Jones has the traits of a starting quarterback and is excited about his potential. Jones, for his part, is embracing the challenge and is eager to prove himself in a new environment.

The Road Ahead

While Jones is currently the backup to Purdy, his opportunity to step in could come at any moment, especially given Purdy's injury history. If called upon, Jones will need to draw on his experiences and the lessons learned from Shanahan to make the most of his chance.

Jones' journey with the 49ers is just beginning, but the potential for a career revival is there. With the right guidance and a renewed focus, Jones could once again prove he belongs in the NFL as a starting quarterback.