The 49ers have reportedly signed Mac Jones to a two-year contract worth $7 million, as stated by Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network.
The 49ers nearly selected Jones with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but at the last moment appeared to reconsider and chose Trey Lance instead. Looking back, Jones also didn’t justify being the No. 3 selection. However, the 49ers now acquire him at a low cost.
Jones is an excellent match for the 49ers’ offensive strategy. He isn’t as agile as Brock Purdy, but he is larger than Purdy and possesses a stronger arm than him. And he is open to playing on a low-cost deal, unlike Purdy, who aims to rank among the highest-paid athletes in the NFL despite finishing a disappointing season and having only one standout year.
Jones provides the 49ers with an advantage in their discussions with Purdy. If he insists on receiving no less than $50 million each season and threatens to skip training camp, the 49ers can designate Jones as the starter. And he could thrive on the 49ers similar to how Sam Darnold thrived on the Vikings.
Keep in mind that Jones had to compete for a dreadful Patriots squad and then a bad Jaguars team. Purdy would have faced difficulties on those teams as well.
If the 49ers were wise, they would have Purdy and Jones contend for the starting position during training camp. May the finest individual prevail.