The San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 season has taken an unexpected turn at quarterback. Through five games, head coach Kyle Shanahan has already had to rely on two starters.
Brock Purdy, fresh off a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension with $181 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause, led the team to a 1-1 start before suffering a toe injury in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In his place, Mac Jones has stepped up, guiding San Francisco to a perfect 3-0 record while looking sharper than at any point since his Alabama days.
That early success has sparked debate about whether Jones should remain under center once Purdy is healthy.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes the quarterback hierarchy in San Francisco remains unchanged. On “The Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter was clear that Purdy’s position is secure despite Jones’ surge in form.
Why does Schefter believe 'It’s absolutely Brock Purdy’s job'?
Speculation around a quarterback change grew louder after Jones led the 49ers to a dramatic 26-23 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 2. Still, Schefter dismissed the idea of a QB controversy.
“I still think it is absolutely Brock Purdy’s job. I don’t even think it’s a question,” Schefter said. “Mac Jones did say the right things because that’s the real situation right now, where he’s going to be in a situation where he’s called upon when Brock’s not playing, and he’ll step in and play the way he did. It was fantastic.”
Schefter added that Jones, who’s under a two-year contract, has “been unbelievable” and “reprogrammed” in the 49ers system.
“They’ve rebuilt him, and he’s playing the way that they thought he would when he left Alabama,” Schefter said.
Jones has indeed been impressive. In his three starts, he’s completed 66 percent of his passes for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception, posting a 99.1 passer rating. His adjusted QBR of 66.9 ranks tied for 12th among qualified quarterbacks, according to Pro Football Reference.
Even with Jones’ resurgence, Schefter maintains that Purdy’s recent contract makes him San Francisco’s franchise quarterback. Unless Purdy falters upon his return, the 49ers plan to stick to their original depth chart.
“Brock Purdy, they just paid, and he’s going to be the guy,” Schefter emphasized.
For now, Jones remains the 49ers’ temporary QB1, expected to start again against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.