Four years after passing on him in the NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have added quarterback Mac Jones to their roster, creating what many are calling the ideal backup scenario for the 2025 season.
49ers, Mac Jones form ideal backup QB pairing for 2025 season

Key Takeaways:
- The 49ers passed on Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft.
- Trey Lance was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in 2021.
- In 2025, Mac Jones joins the 49ers as an ideal backup quarterback.
- The reunion brings the 2021 draft narrative full circle.
- Jones’s addition strengthens the 49ers’ quarterback depth for the season.
A Draft Day Decision Revisited
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers made headlines by selecting quarterback Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick. This move was significant because many speculated that the team might choose Mac Jones, another top quarterback prospect at the time. The decision to opt for Lance over Jones set the course for the team’s future.
Mac Jones’s Journey
Mac Jones, passed over by the 49ers in that pivotal draft, embarked on his professional football career elsewhere. His development over the past four years has been closely watched by analysts and fans alike.
The 2025 Season Move
Now, in an unexpected turn of events, Mac Jones has joined the San Francisco 49ers for the 2025 season. This addition to the roster is being hailed as an ideal backup quarterback pairing, providing the team with increased depth and experience at the position.
Strategic Implications for the 49ers
The inclusion of Jones strengthens the 49ers’ quarterback lineup. His presence offers valuable support and potential versatility, factors that could prove crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the upcoming season.
Full Circle Narrative
This reunion brings the story full circle, connecting the dots between the 2021 draft decisions and the present. It underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where past choices can resonate years later in unforeseen ways.
Looking Ahead to the Season
As the 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, the addition of Mac Jones may have significant implications for their performance. Observers are keen to see how this strategic move will play out on the field and influence the team’s success.