Normally, most fans wouldn't care that much about how a backup quarterback would look in preseason action, particularly going up against casts of second- and third-stringers in a meaningless contest.
Not so for the San Francisco 49ers' No. 2 option under center, Mac Jones.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan already declared the Niners aren't likely to play the bulk of their starters for Week 1 of the preseason against the visiting Tennessee Titans, meaning Jones will probably take the first few drives on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, Titans head coach Robert Saleh said he plans on Tennessee fielding a good portion of its first- and second-string units during the game, meaning Jones will face some stiffer competition while working primarily with San Francisco's B-team units.
It's a crucial opportunity, too, and one Jones can't take too lightly. In fact, Thursday night's exhibition bout is of far more importance than one might initially think.
Mac Jones must use preseason games to bolster his 2027 market value
In an ideal world, Jones sees zero meaningful snaps this season—all of those going to the 49ers' franchise starter, Brock Purdy.
But Jones, a free agent in 2027, will aim to increase his stock value as much as he can. After the Niners opted not to trade him to a quarterback-needy squad earlier this offseason, the prospects for landing a lucrative deal elsewhere have to wait.
And they'll need some evidence to justify a hefty contract. Jones can kickstart that evidence-gathering with some solid tape against the Titans.
Jones already used last season to boost his previously floundering stock, helping San Francisco go 5-3 in Purdy's injury-related absence, while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. In the world of a "what have you done lately" league, however, more up-to-date film might be far more important to those teams seeking a long-term option under center.
Some reports have said Jones didn't have the best training camp, but the in-game film ultimately goes much further than media reports from practice.
Should Jones put together a solid outing during his reps on Thursday night, that stock value should see a major boost, one that'll be much needed if he won't be getting those during the regular season.
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