San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones had a tremendous college career at the University of Alabama, winning one College Football National Championship (he was on the team during his freshman year when they also won, but did not play). It made him one of the top prospects of the 2021 NFL Draft. Ultimately, he was selected later than many expected, 15th overall, by the New England Patriots.
However, it was a nearly insurmountable task to be the guy who follows the G.O.A.T., Tom Brady. Jones made the Pro Bowl in his rookie year and was second to Ja’Marr Chase in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately, Jones and the Patriots struggled to find success after that, and now he is with the 49ers. Now, Jones is apparently looking at a huge bonus for his success in the Bay Area.
What Does 49ers QB Mac Jones Have To Do To Earn a Big Bonus?
Many seemed to write Jones off after he parted ways with New England. In 2024, he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick. The Jaguars declined his fifth-year option, making Jones a free agent in 2025. He signed a two-year $8.41 million contract with the 49ers to serve as a backup to Brock Purdy.
However, one player’s loss was Jones’ golden opportunity, and in this case, it could possibly be literal gold. Purdy suffered turf toe and a shoulder injury in the Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks, and Jones was named the Week 2 starter for their game against the New Orleans Saints.
Jones has done an outstanding job filling in for the former Mr. Irrelevant. He has helped lead the team in three straight wins, including an overtime match against the Los Angeles Rams.
Now Jones could be rewarded for his success. According to Tom Pelissero, his contract with San Francisco includes a $400,000 clause that guarantees the 27-year-old if the Niners beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.
#49ers QB Mac Jones is officially active, and can unlock a $400,000 incentive by leading the team to his fourth win today.
WR Jauan Jennings is also active.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 12, 2025
The clause rewards Jones for leading the team to four wins. If he remains the starter and leads the team to 10 wins, that amount soars to $1 million. However, it appears that it will be interrupted by Purdy’s expected Week 7 return.
While most expect that Purdy will be given back his starting job once he is fully healthy, this is undoubtedly a massive boost for a player who was booed out of Foxboro.
Through the three games he has played so far this season, Jones has earned himself a B- according to PFSN’s QB Impact metric. In his two games, Purdy only fared slightly better with a grade of B+.
Whether Jones stays in San Francisco or looks elsewhere for a starting job, the NFL is looking at him differently than it did before.
