After finishing the 2024 season with a 6-11 record and fourth place in the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers knew they needed to make changes, and they did.
San Francisco, still led by John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, brought in a new defensive coordinator, made impactful trades and signed free agents they hoped could contribute.
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Less than a year later, the 49ers have qualified for the playoffs and could become the league’s top team if they win their final two games of the season.
Looking back at all the moves they made this offseason, there were a few that stood out, with Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locke even naming the signing of backup quarterback Mac Jones as one of the 20 best free agent signings of 2025.
“When Purdy missed eight games with an early-season toe injury, Jones deftly filled in for him,” Lock wrote. “The former Patriot posted a passing grade of 76.0 PFF and an adjusted completion rate of 80.1 percent in his eight starts. In fact, Jones still ranks 16th overall.th Still among the quarterbacks with WAR despite not having played since Week 10.
Purdy’s recent performance — highlighted by a 96.6 overall grade in Week 16 — has dispelled the idea that Jones might actually replace him. Still, the former first-round pick served as a lifeline, helping the 49ers to an 11-4 record. “
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Signing Jones wasn’t an easy move at the time, as he was coming off a tough time in New England and a mediocre year in Jacksonville.
However, Jones has performed well in his eight starts, leading San Francisco to a 5-3 record while completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Even better, Jones signed a two-season deal, so the 49ers can keep him through 2026 or trade him for a draft pick or another position-of-need player this coming offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL analysts say 49ers were one of the 20 best signings last offseason
