49ers OC feels former Alabama QB still has traits of a NFL starting quarterback

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off their worst season since 2020. Since then, the organization has made a number of changes, including signing former Alabama quarterback, Mac Jones.

The 49ers’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak recently expressed his level of trust in Jones and what stands out about the former Heisman Trophy finalist.

“Mac’s a really good thrower. He stands in the pocket, he’s a strong guy and he’s really smart. And so he’s got a lot of traits that we like for a starting quarterback,” Kubiak said. “And he’s doing a great job. And I think Mac’s capable of being a starter in this league. And so he’s going to help us if he needs to.”

The Florida native began his NFL career as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots in 2021. After almost three seasons, the Patriots decided to trade Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence suffered an injury in 2024 which led to Jones being named Jacksonville’s starting quarterback. In 10 games, Jones passed for over 1,600 yards and eight touchdowns with eight interceptions.

During the offseason, Jones became a free agent and was eventually signed by the 49ers.

While the 49ers front office has shown some confidence in starter Brock Purdy, it is still important to have depth at the quarterback position.  Purdy has missed time due to injury. Jones has missed just three games due to injury in his first four years in the NFL.

Jones seems to be a promising insurance policy for the 49ers for the time being.