Imagining a Different Path for the 49ers
What if the San Francisco 49ers had decided to draft Mac Jones instead of Trey Lance four years ago? In this alternate universe, we can explore the implications of such a monumental choice. Picture this: the 49ers never trade three first-round picks and a third-rounder to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 3 pick. Instead, they hold their ground and select Jones with the 12th overall pick.
The Rookie Success of Mac Jones
Considering Jones’ impressive rookie season, where he led the New England Patriots to the playoffs, it’s not far-fetched to imagine him leading the 49ers deep into the postseason as well. During the 2021 season, Jimmy Garoppolo guided San Francisco to the NFC Championship game. Given Jones’ capabilities, it stands to reason he could have done the same—or perhaps even gone one step further.
If Jones had been the quarterback in 2021, the narrative might have included a rookie Super Bowl appearance, reminiscent of Brock Purdy’s unexpected journey. After Garoppolo’s injury in Week 4 against the Seahawks, it’s likely Jones would have seized the starting role and not relinquished it.
Drafting Decisions and Potential Additions
In 2022, the 49ers would have found themselves with a late first-round pick. This selection could have gone towards bolstering the roster with talent such as George Karlaftis, Breece Hall, Jalen Pitre, Kenneth Walker, George Pickens, or Trey McBride. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy would have been drafted as a backup to Jones, providing a solid safety net for the team.
Despite any quarterback dynamics, the 49ers would still have pursued a trade for Christian McCaffrey midway through the season, maintaining their competitiveness. It’s conceivable they would have reached the NFC Championship Game once again, regardless of who lined up under center. With a healthy quarterback in the pivotal moments of that game against the Eagles, the outcome could have been drastically different.
The 2023 Roster and Future Prospects
Fast forward to 2023: the 49ers would again possess a late first-round pick, potentially using it on standout prospects like Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, or Rashee Rice. This scenario suggests a roster even more formidable than the one that squared off against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. With the addition of Rice and Pitre, alongside Jones and Purdy, the 49ers could have been on the brink of a championship.
In this alternate reality, Jones would likely command a contract exceeding $50 million per season, rather than Purdy, who rose to prominence in a different narrative. Looking back, it raises the question: could the decision not to draft Jones have cost the 49ers not just one Super Bowl, but potentially several?
The Window of Opportunity
As the 49ers navigate their current roster, they face the sobering reality that their window for a championship may be closing. With veteran stars aging, the urgency to capitalize on their talent is palpable. The haunting thought remains: what if Mac Jones had been at the helm all along?
Imagining this alternate universe evokes a sense of what could have been for a franchise seeking to reclaim its championship glory. The choices made in the past shape the present and future, and for the 49ers, that choice looms large.
