Mac Jones says preparation is his strength as 49ers enter preseason

Mac Jones proved his value to the San Francisco 49ers last season, and the organization rewarded him this offseason.

The veteran quarterback agreed to a revised contract that includes a $300,000 roster bonus and up to $2.25 million in performance incentives after stepping in for Brock Purdy during the 2025 season.

Jones started eight games while Purdy recovered from a toe injury, leading the 49ers to a 5-3 record while throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Mac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by Christian McCaffrey #23 after passing the ball for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half in the game at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

More on 49ers QB Mac Jones

Now entering another season as Purdy’s backup, Mac Jones is approaching training camp the same way he approaches every year—with the expectation that he’ll need to be ready at a moment’s notice.

“I like training camp,” Jones said. “I think it’s good just to get around all the guys. I like the season a lot better. It’s what I’m really good at, is preparing for games and being ready to go in there at any time.”

While Jones has spent the last several months learning San Francisco’s evolving offense, he’s also getting an up-close look at Raheem Morris’ new-look defense every day in practice.

Having faced Morris’ defenses previously, Jones has noticed significant schematic differences compared to what the offense saw a season ago.

“It’s pretty different,” Jones said. “There’s a little bit of everything. A lot more match coverage, so the throws are a lot more contested. They bring a lot of pressure too on third down. I think they’re doing a great job over there.”

Jones has also enjoyed Morris’ personality, saying the defensive coordinator has helped make the competitive atmosphere of training camp enjoyable.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Raheem Morris defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the media following a training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“He’s awesome,” Jones said. “I think he doesn’t take the game too seriously. He’s going to talk smack, and when he gets beat, he kind of just rolls it off his shoulder because he knows there’s a next play. I feel like he’ll be back in the head coaching spot soon.”

The veteran quarterback has also noticed a difference on the other side of the ball with Dre Greenlaw back alongside Fred Warner after Greenlaw returned to practice.

“Oh, yeah. Definitely feel the defense and their energy,” Jones said. “Fred is obviously our main guy, and Dre’s been out there too. Those are definitely the energy makers over there.”

Mac Jones’ focus remains on continuing to prepare as if he’ll be called upon again. After proving last season he can keep San Francisco’s offense on track when needed, the 49ers have every reason to feel confident in one of the NFL’s most experienced backup quarterbacks heading into 2026.

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• Nick Bosa ranked among top-five edge rushers on Madden 27
• 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan corrects record, says crash was his fault

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 13th – vs. Tennessee Titans – 6:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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