49ers Keep Mac Jones As Backup

Jones Provides Insurance For Purdy

Mac Jones remains on the 49ers roster after the team decided not to trade him this offseason. His presence gave San Francisco a reliable backup after Brock Purdy missed several games with a toe injury last season. Jones started eight games, going 5‑3 as the 49ers finished 12‑5. The decision to retain him means the club still has a starter‑caliber signal caller if Purdy is sidelined.

Purdy Still the Clear #1

Brock Purdy is locked in as the 49ers’ primary quarterback heading into camp. Despite fan debates, San Francisco made it clear that Purdy will retain the starting role. Even if Jones reproduces his strong performance in a Purdy absence, the organization is unlikely to alter the top of the depth chart.

Battle For The Third Spot

The competition for the 49ers’ third quarterback is mainly between Rourke and Martinez. Martinez spent most of last season on the practice squad and served as Jones’ backup when Purdy was out. Rourke, a seventh‑round pick from 2025, missed most of the year recovering from an ACL repair and has had limited practice time. Both players will see preseason action for a roster spot.

Key Question Marks

One major concern for San Francisco is Purdy’s health history. He has missed time in each of his first three seasons because of various injuries. Jones’s availability is another issue, as the 49ers could trade him mid‑season or lose him on waivers if a contender emerges.

Roster Outlook

The 49ers typically aim for two quarterbacks on the active roster and a third on the practice squad. This approach provides depth without sacrificing roster spots. However, a standout preseason performance could force the team to keep three signal callers on the active roster. The most likely scenario still points to a two‑QB active group.

With Jones secured as the backup, the 49ers enter training camp confident they have depth at the most critical position, even as they monitor Purdy’s health and Jones’s potential trade value.