Mac Jones gets $30 million contract update as free agency looms

Mac Jones is approaching free agency as the 2026 NFL season ends, and the market around him could be lucrative. The 49ers’ backup quarterback has seen his value rise after outperforming his current contract last season and receiving a modest raise. With Purdy as the starter, Jones has flashed in relief, fueling speculation that another team will pursue him as a true starter rather than a high-priced backup, a path similar to Malik Willis’ move this offseason. Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr predicts Jones could command more than $30 million per year on the open market, a fate that could mirror other quarterbacks who move from first-round buzz to starting jobs. San Francisco could face a tough decision if he departs, potentially needing to replace him as a backup.

Jones’s ultimate worth will hinge on his 2026 performance and the interest of QB-needy franchises. If a suitor signs him, the 49ers would likely seek a different, more affordable backup, reshaping the quarterback depth chart. If Jones stays, he could compete for a larger role, but the organization may balk at paying premier starter money to a regular backup. The broader takeaway is that rising backup QBs can become highly coveted free agents when opportunities materialize, and Jones could become the latest example if his 2026 play strengthens the case for a lucrative starting job.