49ers OC Klay Kubiak said backup QB Mac Jones is “capable of being a starter in this league.”

29 June 2025

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner detailed Jones’ three-week offseason onboarding process, which transpired after the 26-year-old quarterback signed a two-year, $7 million contract in March. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, Kubiak and QB coach Mick Lombardi spent the duration breaking down “cutups of Jones’ previous film” and showing Jones “tape of other signal callers,” with a focus on “things like the footwork needed to succeed in the offense.” Learning and executing the basics of Shanahan’s famed offense is key. Sam Darnold spent his age-26, 2023 season as a 49ers’ backup before leading the 2024 Vikings to a 14-3 record and signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks this offseason. Per Wagoner, watching Darnold rewire himself, as a student of the 49ers’ “hard” coaching style, appealed to Jones, who acknowledges that he must “rebuild from the ground up, starting with his confidence” and protecting the football more effectively. For the time being, dynasty managers can consider Jones as a QB2 if Brock Purdy misses time. In the long term, Jones could make good on Kubiak’s starter comments elsewhere come 2027, though successful career turnarounds should not be taken for granted.