Entering the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback Mac Jones had one wish: rejuvenate his NFL career under Kyle Shanahan. As the team lost Brock Purdy to injury, that’s exactly the trajectory Jones’ 2025 season took. So, while many teams have turned their attention back to the quarterback, the head coach busted all trade rumors on Wednesday.

“Awesome conversations with him (Mac). You always listen to people at trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players,” Shanahan said on 95.7 The Game. “I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”

Mac Jones took over for the 49ers early in the 2025 season when starting QB Purdy went down with a toe injury in Week 1. While his performance could not help them gain a better playoff berth, he certainly kept their season alive.

In eleven games, with eight starts, Jones threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, completing 201 of 289 passes. 2025 proved he could lead the offense as a starter under the right conditions. His 69.6 completion percentage, 97.4 rating, and 4.5 touchdown percentage were the best of his career.

With Purdy’s health uncertain, Shanahan trusted Jones to keep the team competitive in the NFC West. But that’s the thing, Purdy is fixed as the 49ers’ franchise QB.

Jones, meanwhile, still chases the starting position. That’s probably why his recent statement on his future with the team was more of a neutral stand and not necessarily excitement for the next season.

“I love everybody here, and it was exciting this year,” Jones said this Monday before the team’s offseason kicks off. “I’m on a two-year deal, but I believe I’m a starter in this league, and I’m excited to continue to get better this offseason and see what happens,” Jones said Monday. “In a way, I had two good seasons in one. I had a season as a starter, kind of, and a season as a backup.

“It was really good for me. Had a lot of fun and I’m excited for what’s next.”

Off the field, the veteran had fun with his teammates, finding his love for playing football again. One of the frequent goofiness, as he accepted, was dancing with Kendrick Bourne, who was his teammate in New England. And that’s why, even in one year, he knows what San Francisco has provided him:

“Culture and them allowing me to be myself,” Jones said. “I got to show my personality and be around the guys like George Kittle, a guy I’ve always watched and wanted to play next to. Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warmer and Trent Williams. It was dream-like honestly. It was a lot of fun.”

The 49ers acquired him on an $8.4 million/ two-year deal after an 18-24 record with the New England Patriots and a 2-5 stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a renewed season, many teams, like the New York Jets, have shown interest in Jones. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes a Day 2 pick plus a Day 3 asset would be warranted if he were traded.

With Shanahan’s confidence and Jones’ impressive 2025 performance, the 49ers have stability at quarterback if he isn’t traded away. His strong play, leadership, and ability to manage the offense ensure he remains a key figure, keeping the team competitive in the NFC West as it did this season.

Mac Jones kept the 49ers alive

Quarterback injuries reshaped much of the NFL season, derailing contenders and highlighting how fragile success can be without stability under center. For many teams, losing their starter triggered an immediate collapse. The San Francisco 49ers, however, managed to stay afloat early, thanks largely to Mac Jones stepping in and delivering steady, composed performances when the situation demanded it.

Jones was thrust into meaningful action rather than spot duty early. He operated in Kyle Shanahan’s offense efficiently, moved the chains on key third downs, and protected the football. His decision-making and accuracy allowed the 49ers to avoid falling behind during a stretch where every win mattered. In tight games, with little margin for error, Jones showed poise. He made quick reads, trusted the system, and avoided the mistakes that often doom teams relying on backup quarterbacks. Those early wins and competitive performances became a crucial foundation, keeping San Francisco relevant as the season unfolded.

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Elsewhere, quarterback injuries proved far more damaging. The Baltimore Ravens’ playoff hopes suffered a major blow when Lamar Jackson missed multiple games with a hamstring injury. Without his ability to extend plays and stress defenses, Baltimore’s offense stalled, scoring declined, and momentum vanished at the worst possible time.

Other teams found brief stability. When C.J. Stroud missed time with a concussion, Texans backup Davis Mills managed the offense effectively and helped Houston stay competitive, showing how vital capable depth can be. Interestingly, these could be the teams eyeing Jones now.

San Francisco benefited from the same principle. Mac Jones didn’t try to be a hero; he executed. His reliability, efficiency, and command of the offense kept the 49ers from spiralling, proving his value in a season defined by quarterback uncertainty.