Mac Jones' 49ers reset: Kyle Shanahan unlocking QB's potential

Mac Jones is determined to rejuvenate his career, choosing to sign a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason to serve as Brock Purdy's backup. Jones showed promise as a rookie after the New England Patriots selected him 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he struggled to grow during the following seasons.

Last year, Jones joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting seven games in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence and bringing his career start total to 49 games. That number is unlikely to rise significantly during his time in the Bay Area, now that Purdy is one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. Still, the fifth-year signal-caller sees a tremendous opportunity to learn from one of football's brightest offensive minds—head coach Kyle Shanahan.

"We've only had a few months together, but Kyle's been really cool, and really smart, the way he sees the game," Jones told NBC Sports Bay Area from Tight End University (TEU) in Nashville, Tennessee, last week. "I've heard the stories, but to be in the room and watch him break down special teams, defense, and offense, it's been really cool for me."

Tanner Mordecai, who also participated in TEU, is in his second offseason with the 49ers after signing as an undrafted free agent last year. He shares Jones' admiration for Shanahan's football intelligence.

"I think he's just so intelligent as an offensive mind," Mordecai said. "He understands, and he's been around the best. And anytime you're around someone that's been around the best and coached the best, you take everything you can from them and learn as much as you can."

Jones spent his first three NFL seasons under legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, one of the greatest defensive minds in football history. Now, he's eager to build on that foundation with Shanahan's well-rounded expertise.

"And I've obviously learned a lot in my past about the defensive side of the ball, but to learn more about offense and defense together has been a big benefit so far," Jones noted.

As for his expectations heading into the 2025 season, Jones is taking it one step at a time, confident that his commitment and work ethic will pay off.

When asked about his goals, Jones shared, "Just continue to grow as a player and a person and a teammate. I know it's going to take care of itself, the way I work. And they've rubbed off on me, too."

He added, "So, I'm working hard, they're working hard, and my goal is to be ready to play when I have to go in, and that's all you can ask for."