Brock Purdy, Mac Jones break silence about potentially awkward situation

It wasn't all that long ago when it seemed to be a matter of when and not if a San Francisco 49ers team that has Brock Purdy cemented atop the depth chart as its starting quarterback would find a trade partner for backup Mac Jones. However, Jones stayed put until he received a small pay bump from the 49ers this past spring. 

While speaking at the recent Tight End University event, Purdy and Jones discussed their working relationship amid what could be somewhat of an awkward situation for everybody involved. 

What Brock Purdy admires about Mac Jones' play

"I think just how efficient he was at quarterback," Purdy said about what he learned from watching Jones make eight regular-season starts for San Francisco last season, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "If the defense didn't give what we were trying to take and attack, Mac did a good job of getting through his progressions and getting the ball out of his hands and staying on the field and not trying to make a bad play worse. He manages the game so well and won games at a high level doing it. So definitely learned that component from him."

Jones went 5-3 as the 49ers' temporary QB1 for games that Purdy missed because of a toe injury last season. Jones played well enough in those appearances that some thought at the time he should remain in the lineup. That didn't happen, and Purdy ultimately guided the Niners to a postseason victory. 

Meanwhile, it's now known that quarterback-needy teams were reportedly "reluctant to trade away valuable draft capital" for Jones and/or simply wanted "cheaper" options this offseason. As for Purdy's status, he said it's "huge" that he is fully healthy heading into training camp.  

"I think if you can go into the offseason pretty healthy, just to focus on your game and your craft, watch film, and then take that to the field and apply it, I think that's always huge. So definitely grateful that I finished the season healthy," Purdy added. 

Mac Jones: Brock Purdy is the man

Jones hasn't hidden that he'd like to receive an opportunity to once again serve as a starter at the highest level. He may even be hoping that a club calls about his services between the NFL's ongoing summer break and the in-season trade deadline. 

For now, he seems to have no problem sharing a quarterback room with Purdy.

"Brock is awesome," Jones said during Tight End University. "He's a great personality; he's a great guy. I'm always a fan of him. I always have been, and I always will be, because he's the man."