Mac Jones just reopened the 49ers’ biggest 'what if?'

The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in Trey Lance in 2021. By trading up to the No. 3 spot in the draft, they lost multiple first-round picks which could have ultimately set them back several years.

Five years later, 49ers' backup quarterback Mac Jones has divulged some new information about the 2021 quarterback-heavy draft class.

On the Monday Mornings with Mitch podcast, Mac Jones confirmed that Kyle Shanahan wanted to draft him in 2021:

https://t.co/q35XVsVlTa https://t.co/enYgnDmLE4 pic.twitter.com/qoCvyiMDPi

— Mitch Morse (@MMwithMitch) February 10, 2026

“Kyle and I, we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft.”

Jones was referring to the NFL draft when the 49ers and Shanahan ended up drafting Trey Lance.

Jones followed that up with:

“Obviously, it went in different ways, but that is what it is. It is about reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot,” Jones said, via Kevin Patra of NFL.com

While it is certainly not groundbreaking information, it makes your mind wander as a 49ers fan. What if the 49ers had drafted Mac Jones instead?

Coming out of Alabama, Jones was viewed as one of the most well-prepared quarterbacks in his class. He was known for exceptional timing, accuracy, and an ability to process quickly, traits that typically translate well in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. When comparing Jones and Lance at the time, Jones appeared to be the more natural fit for Shanahan’s scheme based on his decision making and rhythm as a passer.

Mac Jones won't be leaving San Francisco any time soon

While Lance had tremendous upside given his arm strength and mobility he had limited time playing in college. Unfortunately for Lance, injuries ultimately took their toll and he was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

Had Jones been the San Francisco's first-round choice in 2021, the quarterback timeline likely unfolds differently. The question remains though, if Mac Jones gets drafted over Lance, does Brock Purdy ever get a shot in the spotlight with San Francisco? It is very possibly he would not even be with the team. The 49ers may still have become contenders, but the man at the helm would have been Jones, who Shanahan believed in from the start.

Why the 49ers ultimately landed on Trey Lance remains a mystery. You have to think that there was disagreement behind the scenes about which quarterback truly would be the best overall fit, and Shanahan clearly lost that battle. While those answers may never be known, what is clear now is that Jones is not leaving the 49ers any time soon. 

As someone who is now familiar with the system and someone that Shanahan believes in, is it possible Purdy's days in San Francisco are numbered? The 49ers appear committed to Brock Purdy as their starter for now. However, if he falters, Shanahan will not be scrambling for answers. He may already have the quarterback he wanted from the beginning waiting on the sideline.