The San Francisco 49ers sit 4-1 after Mac Jones led a thrilling overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams, prompting questions about the quarterback depth chart. Despite Jones’ strong play, NFL insider Adam Schefter clarified San Francisco’s intentions on the Pat McAfee Show.
Will Mac Jones Replace Brock Purdy As 49ers Starter?
Adam Schefter addressed the quarterback situation during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, confirming the 49ers will return Brock Purdy to the starting role once healthy. Purdy has been week-to-week with a toe injury since Week 1, managing only a brief Week 4 return before sitting out again.
Jones has thrived in Purdy’s absence, completing 86 of 129 passes for 905 yards with six touchdowns and just one interception across three starts. Despite that success, Schefter left no doubt about the long-term plan.
“Now Mac is back there, playing exceptionally well. No, I still think it is absolutely Brock Purdy’s job. I don’t even think it’s a question,” Schefter said.
Jones has found new life in San Francisco’s offensive system, tapping into the potential the 49ers saw years ago. The organization nearly drafted him in 2021 when he left Alabama, but ultimately selected Trey Lance instead.
Four years later, Jones has arrived to fulfill that projection, earning an 82.1Â PFSN QB Impact Score with a B- grade that ranks 12th among qualifying quarterbacks this season.
“Personally, he’s been unbelievable. And I think people were surprised at how well he’s played. But the environment has elevated his performance,” Schefter said.
San Francisco’s plan centers on returning Purdy to the starting role while keeping Jones as a high-level backup. The team signed Purdy to a five-year, $265 million extension in May 2025, a deal that averages $53 million annually and runs through 2030. That investment makes the hierarchy clear.
Schefter broke down how the two contracts tell the full story.
“He’s got a two-year contract. So he’s gonna be there for a couple years, unless all of a sudden he’s got value. But Brock Purdy, they just paid, and he’s gonna be the guy,” Schefter said.
The 49ers will monitor Purdy’s recovery week-to-week while riding Jones’ hot hand through upcoming games at Tampa Bay and home against Atlanta. The offense has maintained stability with a 78.7 PFSN Offense Impact Score and C+ grade that ranks 12th this season, showing the system can function regardless of who takes snaps.
Jones has proven capable of keeping the team competitive, but the organization views him as valuable insurance rather than a long-term solution. San Francisco’s 4-1Â start positions them well to weather the transition back to Purdy whenever he’s fully healthy.