Mac Jones Says the 49ers Could Have Just Taken Him at No. 12 Instead of Trading Up

Four years after the 2021 NFL Draft, Mac Jones has finally suited up for the San Francisco 49ers. But he still jokes about how the whole thing went down.

On “Bussin’ With the Boys,” Jones recalled the draft circus that led the 49ers to trade three picks — including the No. 12 overall — to jump to No. 3 for Trey Lance. Jones was the other guy in that conversation.

“I remember all the hype leading up to it. But yeah, I think everything happens for a reason. I’m here where I’m at now, and I did think they traded up for somebody, and I knew it was one of two people, and I was one of the people. So, I guess if you’re a gambling man, it’s a 50-50 shot at the start,” Jones said.

Lance lasted two seasons in San Francisco before being traded to Dallas. Jones, meanwhile, fell to the Patriots at pick 15. And now? He’s Brock Purdy’s backup.

Jones on the 49ers’ big draft trade

The 49ers sent the Dolphins the No. 12 pick, two future first-rounders and a third-rounder for that No. 3 selection. Jones pointed out the obvious: San Francisco could’ve just stayed put and taken him at 12.

“You could have just picked me at 12. I don’t know if I’m worth three first-round picks, but s***, sign me up,” he said with a laugh.

The joke now carries a little weight. Jones ended up in San Francisco last season anyway, signing as a free agent. He started eight games when Purdy was banged up and went 5-3. He set a career high in completion percentage (69.6%) and threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns.

Trade rumors? The 49ers aren’t moving him

His name has popped up in trade speculation this offseason. The Vikings, Jets, Colts and Browns have all been linked to Jones as a possible starter. But San Francisco has been pretty clear: he’s not going anywhere. The team sees him as their No. 2, and with Purdy’s injury history — ankle and shoulder issues last year alone — that backup spot matters.

Jones didn’t fight that role. He knows the deal. He’s behind a young franchise quarterback on a team that expects to contend. Being the guy who can step in and win games is a real job.

Whether he ever gets another shot to start somewhere else is down the road. Right now, the 49ers are happy to have a former Pro Bowler holding a clipboard.