The San Francisco 49ers were without their starting quarterback on Sunday, as Brock Purdy is dealing with a turf toe injury. But Mac Jones was able to come in and have success in a win against the New Orleans Saints, and now some are beginning to question Purdy’s large contract extension.
Kyle Shanahan Gets The Most Out Of Yet Another 49ers QB
Kyle Shanahan has been known to get the most out of his quarterbacks. Whether it be during his time as an offensive coordinator or his tenure as the 49ers head coach, QBs seem to consistently find success in Shanahan’s system.
Mac Jones in his first start of the season:
23-for-33
253 passing yards
3 TD, 0 INTpic.twitter.com/B4M8NgdIQG— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 14, 2025
Brock Purdy is the latest in the growing list of signal callers who have been beneficiaries, and he was rewarded handsomely for what he had accomplished early in his career. Consistent play, solid numbers, and a Super Bowl appearance all went in to San Francisco’s decision to hand Purdy a lucrative extension, one that is worth $265 million over five years.
Just two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, Colin Cowherd of FS1 already believes that it may have been an overpay. Citing the success that Mac Jones had in Purdy’s absence, Cowherd insinuated on Monday that it is Shanahan who is responsible for the success of 49ers quarterbacks.
“Brock is better than Mac Jones. I’m not denying that. Is he $265 million better?…I think a lot of Brock Purdy’s success is circumstantial. It’s because of Shanahan, and yesterday proved it.”
Cowherd would point out Jones’ physical limitations, and the fact that he won a road contest without the availability of George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. He noted the stats that Jones finished the game with (279 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions), and the fact that he was tasked with attempting 39 throws.
"I think a lot of Brock Purdy's success is circumstantial… it's because of Shanahan and yesterday proves it."@colincowherd was impressed with how Mac Jones ran Kyle Shanahan's offense in the 49ers win over the Saints pic.twitter.com/odygQBHKGo
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 15, 2025
Jones will continue to be the starter as long as Purdy is out. According to reports made on Sunday, the 49ers are not optimistic about Purdy playing in Week 3 against the Cardinals, and Week 4 against the Jaguars would be in serious question, as well.
Luckily for San Francisco, their 49ers have the softest schedule that the NFL has seen in at least a decade.
