Why Mac Jones remains a valuable piece for the 49ers in 2026

The San Francisco 49ers made it clear this week they still value backup quarterback Mac Jones in a major way.

According to NFL Network, the 49ers and Mac Jones agreed to a revised contract for the 2026 season that includes a $300,000 roster bonus, a $3.55 million base salary, and up to $2.25 million in incentives.

The move comes after Jones quietly revived his career in San Francisco last season while filling in for injured starter Brock Purdy.

The 49ers and QB Mac Jones agreed to a revised contract for this season, adding a $300,000 roster bonus.

Jones is now set to make $3.55M in 2026, with another $2.25M available in incentives, before he’s scheduled to hit free agency next March. pic.twitter.com/L0x4d3zY9H

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 27, 2026

More on 49ers QB Mac Jones

Jones appeared in 11 games and made eight starts in 2025, posting a 5-3 record while completing a career-best 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Speaking on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, ESPN’s Nick Wagoner admitted he was somewhat surprised Jones remained with the organization entering another season.

“Was I a little surprised? Yes,” Wagoner said. “I think the thing I was most surprised [about was] not necessarily that they didn’t trade him, but just that there never really seemed to be much momentum toward that.”

Wagoner explained that the quarterback market likely worked against Jones despite interest around the league. Several quarterback-needy teams lacked the infrastructure to support a player like Jones, while others found cheaper veteran options without surrendering draft capital.

“I think the market worked against Mac Jones in a lot of ways,” Wagoner said. “I also think the 49ers wanted a lot for him. Kyle Shanahan kind of alluded to it at the draft that they wanted a first-round pick, and I think that, at minimum, it was going to take a second-round pick.”

Mac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Even with Purdy expected to remain the franchise quarterback long-term, Jones has become an important fit in Shanahan’s system. His familiarity with the offense and ability to stabilize the team during Purdy’s absence last season made him one of the league’s more respected backup quarterbacks.

Wagoner noted that the organization values Jones beyond simply being an insurance policy behind Purdy.

“You see guys like Mac Jones, who hasn’t been around that long, but he’s certainly not afraid to go out and hang out with those guys,” Wagoner said while discussing the team’s locker room culture. “I do think that’s something they kind of pride themselves on.”

While Mac Jones stayed put this offseason, Wagoner still expects him to receive significant interest once he hits free agency next spring.

“I’d be really surprised if he didn’t land somewhere else next offseason,” Wagoner said. “I would be very surprised if he’s not landing something a lot more significant financially next offseason.”

For now, though, the 49ers appear comfortable keeping one of the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks in place behind Purdy as they prepare for another playoff push entering the 2026 season.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• June 9-10, 2026 – Mandatory Minicamps
• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• 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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