Mac Jones is one of those players who feels like he’s lived three different careers in the span of five years. If you’re trying to keep track of every jersey he’s worn, it's actually a pretty wild ride from Tuscaloosa to the West Coast.
Most people remember the Pro Bowl rookie season. Then things got... messy. Honestly, the "who did Mac Jones play for" question has a much longer answer today in 2026 than it did just a couple of seasons ago. He’s moved around. He’s been a starter, a backup, and a "project" for some of the best offensive minds in football.
The College Dynasty: Where It All Started
Before the NFL drama, Mac Jones was the guy who beat out Bryce Young for the starting job at Alabama. Think about that for a second.
He didn't just play for the Crimson Tide; he basically broke the record books there. In 2020, he led Alabama to a National Championship with a completion percentage of $77.4%$. That’s not just good; it was an NCAA record at the time. He was throwing to guys like DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, making it look easy.
He finished his college career with 56 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. That efficiency is exactly why the NFL came calling so early.
🔗 Read more: South Dakota State Football vs NDSU Football Matches: Why the Border Battle Just Changed Forever
The New England Years (2021–2023)
The New England Patriots took Mac with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This was supposed to be the "Post-Brady" solution.
For a minute, it actually worked.
In 2021, Mac Jones was the only rookie QB to really thrive. He started all 17 games, threw for 3,801 yards, and led the Pats to the playoffs. He even made the Pro Bowl. But the wheels came off fast after that.
The next two years were a carousel of weird coaching decisions. Matt Patricia—a defensive coach—was calling plays for him in 2022. It went about as well as you’d expect. By 2023, after 11 starts and a handful of benchings for Bailey Zappe, it was clear the relationship with Bill Belichick was broken.
💡 You might also like: Shedeur Sanders Draft Room: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
He finished his New England tenure with:
- 42 starts
- 8,918 passing yards
- 46 touchdowns
- 36 interceptions
The Jacksonville Homecoming (2024)
In March 2024, the Patriots finally pulled the trigger on a trade. They sent Mac to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round draft pick.
It was a "homecoming" because Mac is originally from Jacksonville. He grew up there and played high school ball at The Bolles School. However, he wasn't there to start. He was the backup to Trevor Lawrence.
He did see the field, though. When Lawrence dealt with some injuries in 2024, Mac stepped in for 7 starts. He played decently, throwing for 1,672 yards and 8 touchdowns, but it was clear he was a bridge player for the Jags, not the long-term future.
📖 Related: Seattle Seahawks Offense Rank: Why the Top-Three Scoring Unit Still Changed Everything
Where is Mac Jones Now? (2025–2026)
As of early 2026, Mac Jones is playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
This move happened in the 2025 offseason when he signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract. It’s been a fascinating fit. Kyle Shanahan famously liked Mac back in the 2021 draft before taking Trey Lance, and now he finally has him.
In the 2025 season, Mac proved his value. When Brock Purdy went down with a turf toe injury, Mac stepped in and went 5-3 as a starter. He looked more like the "Alabama Mac" again, finishing the season with 2,151 yards and a much-improved $97.4$ passer rating.
Summary of Teams
If you need the quick list, here is everyone Mac Jones has played for:
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA: 2017–2020)
- New England Patriots (NFL: 2021–2023)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL: 2024)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL: 2025–Present)
There’s currently a lot of buzz that the 49ers might trade him before the 2026 season because his trade value is the highest it's been in years. Teams like the Jets and Dolphins are reportedly sniffing around for veteran help.
If you’re tracking his career for fantasy or just curiosity, keep a close eye on the 2026 trade market. His stint in San Francisco proved he can still play in the right system, which means his "current team" status could change again before the next kickoff. Watch the pre-draft trade window in April for the next move.