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Mac Jones is eager to write his own Cinderella story.
Fresh off his first season under Kyle Shanahan’s tutelage in San Francisco, the former first-round pick is feeling rejuvenated about his future — a sentiment once echoed by 49ers alum Sam Darnold, who is set to author a new chapter in his comeback story Sunday as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback in Super Bowl 2026.
“Everyone’s journey is so different,” Jones said Wednesday of Darnold, according to NFL.com, “I feel like I’ve watched him in interviews, and he does say that learning from Kyle and [49ers starting quarterback] Brock [Purdy] really changed his career. I see why now. I’ve learned so much this year.
“I know Sam probably felt the same way [in his one year in San Francisco]. You can see it on the tape, there’s a lot of crossover.”
Darnold spent the 2023 season in San Francisco as Purdy’s backup before reviving his career in Minnesota.
His 14-3 campaign with the Vikings resulted in a three-year, $100.5 million free agency deal with the Seahawks last offseason.
Before that, Darnold, 28, was regarded as a castoff after failed stints with the Jets and Panthers.
Much like Darnold, Jones also got his NFL start in the AFC East.
The Patriots’ 15th overall pick in 2021, Jones posted solid numbers in his rookie season (22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) and guided the team to a playoff berth.
Things unraveled from there, as the Patriots pivoted to the two-man show of Joe Judge and Matt Patricia guiding the offense in 2022 following the departure of Josh McDaniels.
Former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien returned to the franchise for 2023, Jones’ final year in New England.
Jones, 27, was traded to the Jaguars in early 2024 and served as Trevor Lawrence’s backup for the season.
He then linked up with the 49ers last offseason on a two-year, $7 million deal.
When the injury bug bit the 49ers early in the year, with Purdy grappling with shoulder and toe trouble, Jones found himself under center, going 5-3 in eight starts while tossing 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
“Kyle has been great for me. We’re really on the same … I call it wi-fi. We’re just a really good match,” Jones said.
With the 49ers now in offseason mode following a crushing 41-6 loss to the Seahawks in the divisional round, Jones has the future on his mind and is feeling encouraged about the path forward.
“It’s definitely motivating for me,” Jones said. “I feel I can do that. I have my swag back, and I feel like that’s important for me. I can go out there and win games for whoever.”
Although Jones is under contract with the 49ers for one more year, his name has allegedly been brought up in trade chatter surrounding the Vikings, who endured a rollercoaster season with quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Jones understands it’s a “business” at the end of the day.
“Honestly, it’s a business. You know how this goes,” Jones said. “I’ve proven I can be a starter. I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever. I know how to do it, but it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it.”
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