The San Francisco 49ers might be preparing to make Brock Purdy the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history, but that isn’t stopping Mac Jones from eyeing the starting role. The former first-round pick is joining the 49ers with a competitive mindset, believing he can challenge Purdy for the top spot under center.
During an episode of Pro Football Talk Live, Mike Florio emphasized that Jones isn’t coming to San Francisco to play second fiddle. “I’ve heard enough from Mac Jones over the years, and I’ve seen enough. He’s not going to go in there and bow down to Brock Purdy,” Florio said. “He’s going to go in there with the mindset of, ‘I can win this job.’”
Mac Jones Ready To Compete, But Is It Realistic?
Jones’ confidence isn’t surprising, given his pedigree as the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He enters a system tailored for quarterback success under head coach Kyle Shanahan. If he quickly grasps the 49ers’ offensive scheme, Jones believes he has the talent to take over. However, not everyone sees this as a legitimate competition.
NBC Sports Boston’s Michael Holley pushed back on the idea of Jones dethroning Purdy, citing the quarterback’s inconsistent track record. “If you talk football with Mac Jones, you love it,” Holley said. “He is an impressive football mind when he’s talking, but when he plays, it’s not pretty. He just does things that are head-scratching, and he will drive Kyle Shanahan crazy.”
Mike Florio mentioned Mac Jones was coming into Santa Clara with the mindset of taking Brock Purdy’s job from him… Michael Holley, who covers the Patriots, had this to say about Mac Jones:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 21, 2025
“He is an impressive football mind when he’s talking, but when he plays, it’s not pretty.… pic.twitter.com/O3Kc2OLSDa
Mac Jones’ NFL journey has already taken unexpected turns. Once viewed as the Patriots’ next franchise quarterback, he joins the 49ers after a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His situation mirrors that of other 2021 draft classmates like Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, who are both now backups after high draft selections.
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A fresh start in San Francisco gives Jones another opportunity, but taking Brock Purdy’s job remains a long shot. Even if he gets a chance to step in, Holley predicts it won’t last. “If he does beat out Purdy, it’ll be for a game or two and he’ll go right back in there.”
Also Read: San Francisco 49ers Could Replace Brock Purdy With Pro Bowl QB Following Disappointing 2024 Season
