So yes, the football gods definitely have a sense of humor.
On a serious note, Jones seems to be a good choice to be Purdy’s backup. He isn’t nearly as athletic as the starter and the No. 2 QB spot is more about delivering a decently high floor than a high ceiling. Shanahan clearly thinks Jones brings that to the table.
After a respectable first season, Jones failed as a starter over his next two seasons with the Patriots. He was benched in Year 3 and traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as Trevor Lawrence’s backup in 2024 to complete his rookie contract.
Jones’ career path so far has been reminiscent of Sam Darnold’s first four years in the league — featuring mostly bad play with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers — before joining the 49ers as Purdy’s backup in 2023.
Darnold recalibrated in his season working with Shanahan, Purdy, and then-49ers QB coach Brian Griese. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, helmed a 14-3 record, and recently earned a contract worth over $100 million with the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers are scheduled to face Darnold twice this season.
Can Jones similarly rehabilitate his career with the 49ers? He doesn’t have the physical upside of Darnold, who moves very well and packs a rocket arm. But there’s a lot to be said about instilling confidence in a young quarterback, and perhaps the 49ers can help Jones — who’s still only 26 — do just that.
Jones won’t be the starter unless Purdy, the franchise quarterback who’s due to sign a massive extension this offseason, gets hurt. But Darnold benefited greatly even though he started only one game in his season with the 49ers. Plus, Jones will have a familiar face leading him: Mick Lombardi, who was on New England’s staff as a receivers coach for Jones’ rookie season in 2021, has replaced Griese as the 49ers’ QB coach.
Everything has come full circle — including the humor of the football gods.
