What does the future hold for Mac Jones, 49ers?

Once again, the San Francisco 49ers understood the value of having a solid backup quarterback option. 

Last season, they wouldn't have even come close to playoff contention if they didn't have Mac Jones there to lead the way while Brock Purdy was out with an injury.

That's why they shut down all trade speculation and decided to keep Jones for the final year of his contract, even with Purdy back to full strength.

Moreover, that's also why NBC Sports Bay Area 49ers insider Matt Maiocco believes they'll try to keep him in the Bay Area after his contract expires. 

Mac Jones could be back with the 49ers

“I would not rule out the possibility that Mac Jones is around for a while… [I]f Mac Jones doesn’t get off the sideline this coming season, is there any team that would view him as a starter in 2027?” Maiocco said (h/t Coach Yac). 

Jones led the team to a 5-3 record last season. He looked poised and in control of the offense for the first time since his rookie season.

He's yet another example of how important it is to be in the right system and have a team that takes time and patience to develop quarterbacks.

As such, he could be another reclamation project like Sam Darnold if a team is willing to take a chance on him.

That said, the 2027 NFL Draft is projected to be stacked with quarterbacks, and that might ultimately hurt his value in free agency.

If that's the case, perhaps he'll be better off staying with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and hoping to take Purdy's spot at one point in the future.