The 49ers could replace Mac Jones with a favorite of Shanahan’s.
The writing is on the wall for Mac Jones in San Francisco. With the Atlanta Falcons’ latest move on Kirk Cousins, the 49ers’ backup quarterback situation is about to get a major shakeup—and it spells the end for Jones’ tenure with the team.
For months, speculation has swirled around what the San Francisco 49ers plan to do with their backup quarterback, Mac Jones. Acquired as a reliable option behind starter Brock Purdy, Jones has shown flashes of competence, especially when stepping in during Purdy’s injury this season. But now, the Atlanta Falcons have thrown a curveball that could reshape the Niners’ depth chart entirely.
The Falcons recently restructured Kirk Cousins’ contract, fueling widespread expectations that they’ll release the veteran quarterback by March. This development isn’t just Falcons news—it’s a potential game-changer for the 49ers. Why? Because head coach Kyle Shanahan has long been a vocal admirer of Cousins, dating back to their successful collaboration in Washington.
Flash back to 2017, when Shanahan took over as the 49ers’ head coach. The expectation was a rebuild season, with placeholders like Brian Hoyer holding down the fort until Cousins hit free agency. Shanahan, who served as Washington’s offensive coordinator during Cousins’ rise, saw firsthand how the quarterback could elevate an offense. Under Shanahan’s schemes, Cousins posted impressive numbers, leading to solid team success.
Those plans derailed when the 49ers traded for Jimmy Garoppolo mid-season, but Shanahan’s respect for Cousins never waned. Cousins went on to sign a massive deal with the Minnesota Vikings, enjoying productive years before landing in Atlanta. There, he was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., but a 2025 injury to Penix thrust Cousins back into the starting role.
In those eight starts, Cousins proved he’s far from washed up: a 5-3 record, 61.7% completion rate, 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. It’s enough to show he still has gas in the tank—perfect for a backup gig in a familiar system.
For the 49ers, this opens the door to a reunion. Signing Cousins as Purdy’s understudy would allow them to trade Jones for valuable draft capital, addressing pressing needs on defense where depth is sorely lacking. Sure, there’s risk in moving Jones—he’s proven capable in relief duty—but Cousins’ familiarity with Shanahan’s intricate offense minimizes any drop-off.
Cousins knows the playbook inside out, having thrived under Shanahan before. He’s a steady veteran presence who could seamlessly step in if needed, making the transition painless for a Super Bowl-contending team like the Niners.
In essence, the Falcons’ decision might be the favor San Francisco didn’t know it needed. By making Cousins available, they’ve cleared the path for Shanahan to bring back a trusted ally, effectively sealing Mac Jones’ fate. It’s over for Jones in red and gold—hello, Kirk Cousins era 2.0?
