The San Francisco 49ers have an intriguing quarterback room heading into the upcoming season, with Brock Purdy firmly established as the starter and the newly acquired Mac Jones looking to revive his career. While the two quarterbacks took different paths to the NFL, they share an unexpected Alabama connection that has fans buzzing.
The Alabama Tie: Coaching and Competition
Although Mac Jones played his college football at Alabama and Brock Purdy starred at Iowa State, both signal-callers were shaped by the Crimson Tide’s coaching tree. Jones, of course, was a star at Alabama under Nick Saban, leading the team to a national championship in 2020. He was known for his elite accuracy, decision-making, and poise—traits that made him a first-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2021.
Purdy, on the other hand, never played for Alabama, but he has still felt the impact of Saban’s coaching philosophy. During the 2022 NFL Draft process, Purdy worked with Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien on pre-draft evaluations and training. Additionally, Purdy played against Alabama’s dominant defenses in college football, learning how to navigate high-level competition.
Mac Jones’ Fresh Start in San Francisco
After a turbulent tenure with the New England Patriots, Jones now finds himself in San Francisco, where Kyle Shanahan’s system could give him a chance to reset his career. The 49ers traded for Jones this offseason, adding a capable backup behind Purdy. The move reunites Jones with several former Alabama teammates, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel (who was recruited by Saban before choosing South Carolina) and star running back Christian McCaffrey, whose family has deep ties to the SEC.
Jones’ arrival also brings an interesting dynamic to the 49ers’ quarterback room. While Purdy has firmly established himself as the team’s starter, Jones provides valuable experience and a skill set that aligns well with Shanahan’s offensive philosophy.
Competition or Collaboration?
Despite their Alabama connection, Purdy and Jones will be competing for reps in practice. However, Jones’ role is clear—he’s there to provide depth, push Purdy in training camp, and be a reliable insurance policy should the 49ers need him. Given San Francisco’s history of quarterback injuries, having a backup like Jones could prove valuable in a deep playoff run.
For now, the 49ers’ Alabama connection adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked roster. Whether it leads to on-field success for Jones remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—San Francisco’s quarterback room just got even more interesting.