As NFL teams finalized their 53-man rosters and 16-player practice squads for the 2025 season, the San Francisco 49ers made a bold and risky decision that has raised eyebrows across the league. By cutting quarterbacks Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley, both waived/injured, the 49ers have placed their faith in unproven backup Mac Jones to support their star quarterback, Brock Purdy. With the team’s history of injuries and Jones’ lackluster performance in recent years, this move could spell disaster for San Francisco’s championship aspirations.
A Thin Quarterback Depth Chart
The 49ers’ decision to trim their quarterback room leaves Brock Purdy as the clear starter, with Mac Jones as the sole viable backup. Purdy, who is set to lead the team against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, has proven himself as a reliable and efficient quarterback. Despite a perceived down year in 2024, the 49ers’ passing offense ranked fourth in the NFL in yardage, a testament to Purdy’s ability to command the offense. However, the team’s reliance on Jones as the primary backup is a gamble that could haunt them if Purdy, who is no stranger to the injury bug, misses time.
Jones, a 2021 first-round pick by the New England Patriots, was signed to a two-year deal by the 49ers in the offseason. Once a Pro Bowl rookie, Jones has struggled to recapture the promise he showed early in his career. His tenure with the Patriots and later with the Jacksonville Jaguars was marked by inconsistency, with a combined eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in 10 games (seven starts) for Jacksonville in 2024. His inability to secure a starting role with either team raises questions about his ability to step up in a high-pressure situation for a Super Bowl-contending team like the 49ers.
A Preseason to Forget
Jones’ performance in the 2025 preseason did little to inspire confidence. In the 49ers’ 30-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in the preseason opener, Jones was outplayed by all three opposing quarterbacks—Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger, and starter bo Nix—despite posting the highest quarterback rating among San Francisco’s signal-callers. While he showed some improvement in the second game, a 22-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 13 of 16 passes for 135 yards, his performance was marred by an interception and a lack of touchdowns. A minor knee injury sidelined him for the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, denying him a chance to redeem himself.
The 49ers’ decision to cut Mordecai and Bradley, who were both waived/injured, further underscores their commitment to Jones. However, this move leaves the team with little margin for error. The absence of depth at the quarterback position is particularly concerning given San Francisco’s history of injuries, which have often struck key players at critical moments.
The Injury Bug Looms Large
The 49ers’ locker room has been plagued by injuries in recent years, and the quarterback position has not been immune. Purdy himself missed time in 2022 and faced challenges in 2024, yet still managed to lead the team to a strong offensive output. If Purdy were to go down, the 49ers would be forced to rely on Jones, whose track record suggests he is ill-equipped to lead a playoff-caliber team. The decision to carry only two quarterbacks on the active roster, with no additional depth on the practice squad, amplifies the risk.
History has shown that the 49ers cannot afford to take chances with their quarterback situation. In 2022, the team cycled through multiple quarterbacks due to injuries, and while Purdy emerged as a star, the lack of reliable backups nearly derailed their season. Entrusting Jones with the “keys to the castle” could repeat this precarious scenario, especially given his struggles in high-stakes situations.
Why This Move Could Backfire
The 49ers’ decision to bank on Jones is puzzling for several reasons. First, his recent performances have been underwhelming, both in the NFL and during the 2025 preseason. His interception-prone play and inability to outshine opposing backups in exhibition games do not bode well for his readiness to step into a starting role. Second, the 49ers’ high-powered offense, built around stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, requires a quarterback who can execute at an elite level. Jones has yet to demonstrate that he can consistently meet those expectations.
Moreover, cutting Mordecai and Bradley eliminates any competition or insurance policy at the position. While neither quarterback was a proven commodity, retaining at least one could have provided a safety net in case Jones falters. The 49ers’ all-in bet on Jones assumes he can rediscover the form that earned him Pro Bowl honors as a rookie, but his career trajectory suggests otherwise.
Hope Rests on Purdy’s Shoulders
For the 49ers to return to the postseason and contend for a Super Bowl in 2025, Brock Purdy’s health will be paramount. The 24-year-old quarterback has shown he can handle the pressures of leading a talented roster, but he cannot do it alone. The team’s decision to cut its quarterback depth and rely on Mac Jones as the primary backup is a high-stakes gamble that could unravel if injuries strike.
San Francisco’s front office and coaching staff are banking on Jones rising to the occasion, but the evidence points to a potential disaster in the making. Unless Jones can defy his recent history and prove his doubters wrong, the 49ers’ bold roster move may come back to haunt them. For now, 49ers fans can only cross their fingers and hope that Purdy stays healthy for all 17 games—because the alternative could be catastrophic.