The 49ers could replace Mac Jones with a favorite of Shanahan\u2019s.<\/p>\n
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\nThe writing is on the wall for Mac Jones in San Francisco. With the Atlanta Falcons\u2019 latest move on Kirk Cousins, the 49ers\u2019 backup quarterback situation is about to get a major shakeup\u2014and it spells the end for Jones\u2019 tenure with the team.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s injury this season. But now, the Atlanta Falcons have thrown a curveball that could reshape the Niners\u2019 depth chart entirely.<\/p>\n
The Falcons recently restructured Kirk Cousins\u2019 contract, fueling widespread expectations that they\u2019ll release the veteran quarterback by March. This development isn\u2019t just Falcons news\u2014it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Flash back to 2017, when Shanahan took over as the 49ers\u2019 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\u2019s offensive coordinator during Cousins\u2019 rise, saw firsthand how the quarterback could elevate an offense. Under Shanahan\u2019s schemes, Cousins posted impressive numbers, leading to solid team success.<\/p>\n
Those plans derailed when the 49ers traded for Jimmy Garoppolo mid-season, but Shanahan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
In those eight starts, Cousins proved he\u2019s far from washed up: a 5-3 record, 61.7% completion rate, 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. It\u2019s enough to show he still has gas in the tank\u2014perfect for a backup gig in a familiar system.<\/p>\n
For the 49ers, this opens the door to a reunion. Signing Cousins as Purdy\u2019s understudy would allow them to trade Jones for valuable draft capital, addressing pressing needs on defense where depth is sorely lacking. Sure, there\u2019s risk in moving Jones\u2014he\u2019s proven capable in relief duty\u2014but Cousins\u2019 familiarity with Shanahan\u2019s intricate offense minimizes any drop-off.<\/p>\n
Cousins knows the playbook inside out, having thrived under Shanahan before. He\u2019s a steady veteran presence who could seamlessly step in if needed, making the transition painless for a Super Bowl-contending team like the Niners.<\/p>\n
In essence, the Falcons\u2019 decision might be the favor San Francisco didn\u2019t know it needed. By making Cousins available, they\u2019ve cleared the path for Shanahan to bring back a trusted ally, effectively sealing Mac Jones\u2019 fate. It\u2019s over for Jones in red and gold\u2014hello, Kirk Cousins era 2.0?<\/p>\n
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The 49ers could replace Mac Jones with a favorite of Shanahan\u2019s. The writing is on the wall for Mac Jones in San Francisco. With the Atlanta Falcons\u2019… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":137516,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-137515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n