Why Mac Jones isn't starting for 49ers in Week 12 vs. Panthers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When quarterback Brock Purdy was on the shelf with a toe injury, the San Francisco 49ers relied on Mac Jones, and he answered the bell.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJones signed with the Niners during the offseason and has managed to revive his career under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
In fact, Jones was so good that many wondered if he could take the starting job from Brock Purdy upon his return, but that didn't happen.
Here's why.
Why Mac Jones isn't starting for 49ers
The answer is simple: The Niners view Purdy as their franchise quarterback and have a ton invested in him after signing him to a five-year, $265 million contract.
It's not hard to see why the Niners are so high on Purdy after he helped lead San Fran to a Super Bowl a few years back.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut with Purdy struggling on Monday night, the calls will only get louder to give Jones the football. We wouldn't expect the Niners to answer that call, though. It's going to take another injury to Purdy for Jones to see action.
Looking ahead, Jones is likely to garner interest from quarterback-needy teams in the offseason.
He's under contract in 2026, but the Niners could trade him at the height of his value and get a solid return in draft picks.
Or, the Niners could decide to hold on to Jones after a season in which Purdy has been banged-up.
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