San Francisco, California – January 21, 2026 – After a challenging season and a bitter playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Mac Jones has sent shockwaves through the NFL with his announcement that he will leave the San Francisco 49ers and seek a new opportunity in the upcoming season. Although he joined the 49ers for a short time and had an impressive performance filling in for Brock Purdy, Jones feels it’s time for him to pursue a new challenge to further his career and continue progressing.
Mac Jones had an impressive season after joining San Francisco 49ers from New England Patriots. Despite being a backup, Jones not only survived but thrived, stepping in for Brock Purdy in eight games. He posted impressive performances, throwing for at least 275 yards and two touchdowns in several key games, proving he still had what it takes to play at a high level.
Despite his successful season, Jones revealed that he has decided to leave 49ers to find a new opportunity.
“I have to reaffirm that my love for the 49ers has always remained unchanged. Since coming here, I’ve developed a lot, learning so much from Brock Purdy and Coach Kyle Shanahan. But I have to leave, if it’s what’s best for both me and the team. If one day when I retire, I’ll still tell my kids that San Francisco was the team where I gave my whole heart.” Jones shared.
Mac Jones didn’t hide his admiration for Brock Purdy, who has helped him grow and develop over the course of the season. “Brock is not only an idol to me, but a friend, someone who has helped me grow. I’ve learned so much from him. However, I think now is the time for me to find a new opportunity, a chance to become the leader of a team somewhere else,” Jones added.
Jones referred to his time with the 49ers as “Ph.D. in football,” indicating the immense learning process and development he underwent in the professional environment. He shared that working with Kyle Shanahan and his teammates taught him how to process defenses faster, sharpen his football IQ, and regain his confidence.
Although Jones had a successful season, he felt that he could no longer stay in a backup role and desired to find a starting position with another team. “I can’t stay a backup forever. I know I can do more, and I want to be a starting quarterback.” Jones shared.
With his stable performances and proven leadership, Mac Jones could be an ideal choice for teams in need of a starting QB. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants are currently lacking a starting QB and might see Jones as an important addition. After this impressive season, Jones believes he is ready for a fresh start with another team.
Despite having one year left on his contract with 49ers, Jones expressed his desire to find a starting opportunity elsewhere. Teams in need of a veteran QB who can lead a team are likely to consider Jones for their starting role.
The 49ers now face a tough decision: whether to keep Jones as a high-quality backup for Purdy or let him go to pursue a starting job elsewhere. Kyle Shanahan and the front office will have to weigh the value of retaining a proven backup against the reality that Jones deserves a chance to start.
Mac Jones has proven he is more than just a backup QB. He’s developed and grown during his time with San Francisco, and his decision to leave the team marks a new chapter in his career, opening up new opportunities. 49ers fans will be closely watching his next steps as Jones seeks his chance to start and lead a new team in the NFL.
