49ers QB Mac Jones Has Major Opportunity to Cash In Thanks to Brock Purdy’s Injury
For the second straight year, injuries have defined the San Francisco 49ers‘ campaign. After getting dealt a rash of injuries last season, the Niners stumbled on their way to a 6-11 season, missing the playoffs entirely after coming up just short in their quest to win Super Bowl LVIII the year before.
This season, though, the 49ers have managed to stay afloat, and that’s due in large part to Mac Jones, who has filled in admirably for the injured Brock Purdy for five games so far this season. Jones has won four of his five starts for San Francisco, and while he’s already cashing in on his incentive-laden contract, the longer Purdy is out, the more money he could end up making.
Mac Jones Cashing in Amid Brock Purdy’s Injury Absence
After flaming out with the New England Patriots and spending a year as Trevor Lawrence’s backup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones signed a two-year, $8.41 million contract with the 49ers in free agency over the offseason. After seeing what Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff were able to do with Sam Darnold, Jones was hoping that San Fran could help him revive his career.
With Purdy missing all but two games so far this season, Jones has been thrust into action sooner than expected, and he’s delivered the goods. His numbers aren’t outrageous (1,404 yards, six touchdowns), but he continues to find a way to help lead the Niners’ injury-riddled squad to victories, and at the end of the day, that’s ultimately all that matters.
Since Jones was brought to town to be Purdy’s backup, his deal featured several incentives in the event he found his way onto the field. After earning his fourth win as a starter, Jones triggered a $400,000 bonus in his deal, but as Dan Graziano of ESPN recently shared, he could still earn another big incentive if he has to continue 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
GettySan Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones himself has been dealing with a couple of injuries as of late, but he’s continued to get starts under center and lead San Fran to victory. There’s no doubt that folks across the league are taking notice of what Jones has done this season, and his strong play has helped the 49ers feel comfortable letting Purdy get 100% healthy before throwing him back on the field.
Ahead of the team’s Week 8 action, Purdy has once again been ruled out, meaning that Jones will earn his sixth start of the season for the 49ers. He will be going up against a tough Houston Texans defense, but to this point, Jones has looked capable of overcoming every challenge he has faced. With kickoff for this game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon, Jones will look to help push the Niners’ record to 6-2 on the season.
Browns Star Myles Garrett Has Shot at Impressive Record This Week
Over the last couple of years, the Cleveland Browns have lived and died by their defense. The quarterback position has been a revolving door due to injuries and poor play, but the defense has been relatively consistent, led by superstar defensive end Myles Garrett.
Heading into Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, the Browns will have another tough challenge on their hands, as they’ll go on the road to face a young, talented and resurgent New England Patriots team. New head coach Mike Vrabel has his squad firing on all cylinders this season, with quarterback Drake Maye coming into his own as one of the best players under center in the NFL.
Fortunately for Cleveland, the team can throw Garrett at Maye all day long at Gillette Stadium in an attempt to slow down the rising star. Maye has led his upstart Patriots to four straight wins while grabbing the attention of the rest of the league, as New England could very well be a heavyweight in the AFC this season.
Myles Garrett on Verge of Breaking Reggie White’s Record
GettyGreen Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White.
Along with Garrett having the challenge of slowing down Maye, which will be no easy task, the one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has a shot to make league history.
Garrett will have the opportunity to pass one of the best defensive players the NFL has ever seen, with Green Bay Packers legend Reggie White in his crosshairs ahead of Week 8’s matchup against the Patriots. The face of the Browns franchise will have a chance to pass White for the most sacks before turning 30, which is something he was asked about on Friday via Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette.
Browns DE Myles Garrett on being mentioned with Reggie White, whom he will pass for most sacks before turning 30 with one more.
“It’s an honor, but it’s something I don’t think about,” Garrett said. “Right now, I’m just focused on us winning. In order to be compared to some of the greats, you have to win, and right now that’s my sole focus. That’s our sole focus as a team. Let people talk if they may, but I’m trying to have fun and keep on progressing forward.”
Garrett was then asked whether he knew he was on the verge of breaking one of White’s records for most sacks by a player under 30.
“I better hurry up then (laughs). I got a little time.”
Garrett wasn’t kidding when he said that he needs to hurry up because he’s set to turn 30 on Dec. 29 of this year. Including Sunday’s game against the Patriots, Garrett will have nine games to record one more sack to pass White.
Myles Garrett is Already a Hall of Famer
GettyMyles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns.
With White in his sights, Garrett heads into Week 8’s matchup with the Patriots having recorded 107.5 for his career, which adds to an incredible resume including 126 tackles for a loss, 20 forced fumbles, 17 passes defensed and six fumble recoveries.
The Browns’ superstar has also been named an All-Pro six times, with four of those being First-Team selections. Add to that six Pro Bowl appearances and, of course, one NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
As for the 2025 campaign, Garrett has recorded 5.0 sacks across seven games. He’s coming off a two-sack performance against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Simply put, if Garrett decided to call it a career tomorrow, he’d be a Hall of Famer already.
