For the second straight year, injuries have defined the San Francisco 49ers’ campaign. After dealing with a rash of injuries last season, the Niners stumbled to a 6-11 record, missing the playoffs entirely after coming up just short in their quest to win Super Bowl LVIII the year before.
This season, however, the 49ers have managed to stay afloat — thanks in large part to Mac Jones, who has stepped up admirably for the injured Brock Purdy. Jones has filled in for Purdy over five games so far this season, winning four of those starts. While he’s already cashing in on his incentive-laden contract, the longer Purdy remains sidelined, the more money Jones could potentially earn.
### Mac Jones Cashing In Amid Brock Purdy’s Injury Absence
After a rocky start with the New England Patriots and a year spent as Trevor Lawrence’s backup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mac Jones signed a two-year, $8.41 million contract with the 49ers during the offseason.
Having seen what Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff were able to accomplish with Sam Darnold, Jones hoped San Francisco could be the place to revive his career. With Brock Purdy missing all but two games this season, Jones was thrust into action sooner than anticipated — and he has delivered.
Although his numbers aren’t eye-popping (1,404 yards and six touchdowns), Jones continues to find ways to lead the injury-riddled Niners to victories. At the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.
### Incentives Paying Off
Jones was brought to San Francisco to be Purdy’s backup, so his contract featured several incentives tied to his playing time and team success. After earning his fourth win as a starter, Jones triggered a $400,000 bonus.
As Dan Graziano of ESPN recently reported, Jones could still earn additional incentives if he continues filling in for Purdy:
> “Jones’ deal says that he gets an extra $100,000 for every game in which he plays at least 25% of the offensive snaps and the team wins, but only if the team wins four such games,” Graziano wrote.
> “Sunday’s victory over the Falcons was the fourth game this season the Niners have won in which Jones played at least 25% of their offensive snaps, which means Jones pocketed $400,000 as a result of that win.”
> “He can also get another $550,000 if he plays in at least 50% of the team’s offensive plays this season and the 49ers make the playoffs.”
### Mac Jones Set to Start Over Brock Purdy Again in Week 8
Jones has also been dealing with a couple of injuries recently, but he has continued to start under center and lead San Francisco to victories.
There is no doubt that the NFL community is taking notice of Jones’s performance this season. His strong play has given the 49ers confidence to keep Purdy sidelined until he’s 100% healthy before returning him to the field.
As the season progresses, Mac Jones remains a key factor in the 49ers’ quest to overcome injuries and make a deep playoff run.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/mac-jones-bonus-playoffs-starter-contract/
