49ers' decision to keep Brock Purdy out another week may end up being the best thing to ever happen to Mac Jones

Mac Jones has been given a third chance at his NFL livelihood. After looking like the next franchise QB for the New England Patriots during his rookie year, it all went downhill from there and Jones couldn't have left town fast enough in the eyes of many Pats fans.

Then came a year as a backup with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, where he started seven games and didn't look much better. But now preparing for his second start in as many weeks for the San Francisco 49ers, Jones has an opportunity with historical precedent in front of him.

You know who else was looking like a journeyman QB before Kyle Shanahan became his head coach? Sam Darnold. Now he's the starter for the 49ers rival, the Seattle Seahawks. Mac Jones is hoping that his stint in the Bay will yield the same results.

Mac Jones has everything in front of him

It's easy to forget that Jones just turned 27 years old and has a Pro Bowl on his resume. That before Bill Belichick seemingly sabotaged him with poor offensive coordinator choices, he was labeled "the next one" after being drafted to replace Tom Brady. But a lot of that optimism? It came back during his start last week against the New Orleans Saints.

"Mac Jones was really impressive against New Orleans. He got a bit of a monkey off his back because his stats against the Saints prior to Week 2 were - let’s just say - uninspiring. You wouldn’t be able to tell that, though. Jones played on time and made decisive throws to backup targets around the SF offense. At the helm, he looked comfortable, and the 49ers were probably thankful for that. Intermediate throws had zip and usually didn’t put his receivers in harm’s way."

"I’m intrigued to see Jones this weekend if Arizona’s defense turns up the pressure a bit. Their play-calling tries to create some havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Jones may need to find ways to move around the pocket and make out of structure plays if SF wants to pull out the victory in Week 3."

- Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

So I think it's more than safe to say that should Jones put up another strong performance against an even better defense, he will have suitors in the NFL again. It's hard for the league to quit first-round picks, especially at QB.