How the Josh Johnson debacle inspired the 49ers' new QB strategy

Thank you, Josh Johnson, sincerely.

It was January 29, 2023, and the 49ers were facing off against the Eagles in the NFC Championship game. A Facebook user casually mentions the 49ers are toast if Josh Johnson needs to play at any point in the game.

It was me. I was the user.

This wasn't exactly earth-shattering insight—most 49ers fans likely felt the same way. The problem was that the 49ers coaching staff didn't seem to share that concern. The rest is history: Johnson struggled, and the 49ers lost in a lopsided match.

Losing in the Championship game is not why we should be thanking Josh Johnson. No, we should be thanking him because his terrible play seems to have inspired the 49ers to employ a new tactic, ensuring they have a competent backup quarterback.

For the second time in three seasons, the 49ers have acquired a previously touted first-round quarterback whose career had teetered on the brink. In 2023, it was Sam Darnold, and in 2025, it is Mac Jones.

Sam Darnold

Drafted in 2018, Darnold spent three seasons with the Jets before playing an additional two seasons with the Panthers. By the end of his fifth season, Darnold had compiled a record of 21-35 as a starter and was deemed a bust. Lacking any decent options, Darnold chose to sign with the 49ers to restart his career and learn from one of the best offensive-minded coaches in the league.

He only played in two games, but played well enough to convince the league he deserved another chance as a starter. Darnold went on to lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth in 2024.

Mac Jones

Like Darnold, albeit to a lesser extent, Mac Jones was drafted with high expectations. His first season was a relative success considering he led the Patriots to a 10-7 record, but it was all downhill from there. Between his time with the Patriots and Jaguars, Mac Jones had compiled an overall record of 20-33 in the games he played in.

Again, like Darnold, Jones needed a place to rehab his career before it dissipated altogether. Fast forward to September 14, 2025, Mac Jones found himself leading the 49ers to a 26-21 victory over the Saints—and looked good doing it.

Kyle Shanahan

For the second time in three years, a previously sought-after quarterback signed with the 49ers to rehab his image. Of all the places to go and all the coaches to work with, the 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, are by far the best option for quarterbacks looking for a fresh start. Shanahan is known for his ability to instill in his quarterbacks the tendencies and confidence that are highly desired traits in the NFL.

Unfortunately, the typical first-round quarterback is often drafted by teams with terrible offensive lines and terrible coaching. Playing on teams with these issues usually leads to hero ball, bad tendencies, and loss of pocket presence. With Shanahan's team, none of these problems exist, which allows the quarterback to relearn the position the right way, while also showcasing themselves to quarterback-needy teams. While this strategy is not a guarantee, it does provide the best chance for both the quarterback and the 49ers to succeed.

Thank You, Josh Johnson

No one knows what next season will hold, but if Mac Jones continues to fill in for Brock Purdy as well as he did against the Saints, there is a strong likelihood he will be quarterbacking a new team. When that happens, the trend will have already been set; struggling but talented quarterbacks can go to the 49ers to get a fresh start, and the 49ers don't automatically lose a game if Purdy goes down.

In other words, if Josh Johnson had not entered the NFC Championship Game and played so poorly, the 49ers may never have stumbled upon this new tactic of ensuring they have a quality backup.