The San Francisco 49ers made headlines this offseason by handing franchise quarterback Brock Purdy a massive five-year, $265 million extension. But just five weeks into the season, it’s been backup QB Mac Jones who’s delivered more wins than the former “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Jones continued to shine in Week 5, raising questions about the 49ers’ quarterback hierarchy, and legendary broadcaster Al Michaels even speculated that a major QB controversy may be brewing in San Francisco as Purdy continues to remain sidelined.
Al Michaels Weighs In on 49ers’ QB Debate
Purdy started the season strong with a win against the Seattle Seahawks, but injured his toe and missed the following two weeks of action. Jones, who arrived earlier this offseason in San Francisco, stepped in under center and delivered back-to-back wins for the team in Weeks 2 and 3.
Although Jones threw one interception in those games, he also produced four touchdowns and 563 passing yards, proving he’s more than capable of pushing the ball downfield.
Purdy returned in Week 4 but wasn’t at full strength. The 49ers fell 26-21 to the Jacksonville Jaguars, raising concerns about whether their franchise quarterback was ready.
On Thursday Night Football in Week 5, Purdy was rested again, and Jones stepped back into the spotlight. This time, he looked sharper than ever, avoiding turnovers while completing 33 of 48 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns, fueling speculation about a quarterback controversy.
Given Jones’ impressive performances, it’s no surprise that some fans and analysts now view him as a better fit for the 49ers’ offense than Purdy. If Purdy misses more time and Jones keeps stacking wins, San Francisco could soon be forced to take a hard look at its quarterback hierarchy.
Legendary broadcaster Michaels has already stoked the conversation, suggesting the controversy may be heating up.
“If Mac Jones keeps this up, they might have a QB controversy in San Francisco,” he said during the Amazon Prime Video broadcast.
Al Michaels: “If Mac Jones keeps this up, they might have a QB controversy in San Francisco.”
— Ryan G Hensley (@ryanghensley) October 3, 2025
Still, it may be premature to count Purdy out. The young quarterback has shown plenty of promise when healthy, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before he’s back to full strength and leading the 49ers offense with confidence.
Despite Jones presenting a strong performance, Purdy beats him in each of the following categories: End of 1H EPA/dropback, 2nd half EPA/dropback, Close game EPA/dropback, TOTAL EPA / dropback, 3rd down conversion rate, net YPA (2.1 full yards better), Clean EPA/dropback, Pressured EPA/dropback, PFSN’s CLUTCH Impact grade.
Purdy’s career QBi, also known as quarterback impact, of 98.7 is also much better than Jones’, as it sits at just 68.2. Furthermore, Jones’ best quarterback grade of his career has been this season, with a grade of 80.4, whereas the worst season grade for Purdy in his career is an 85.6.
Though Jones impressed against the Rams and has provided valuable depth, the numbers make it clear: Purdy remains the superior quarterback. With his efficiency, consistency, and higher overall impact, it’s highly unlikely the 49ers will consider a permanent switch unless Purdy were to suffer a significant regression.
