The San Franicsco 49ers' free agent pickup of Mac Jones is about more than simply quarterback depth. The Niners know they need to gain leverage for Brock Purdy's contract negotiations, in part due to the pain they endured at the hands of their "ruthless" tackle Trent Williams.

March 13 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract with free agent quarterback Mac Jones. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and The Athletic about the agreement Wednesday. The pact has a maximum value of $11.5 million. Jones is expected to play a backup role to 49ers starter Brock Purdy.

Jones and the 49ers were heavily tied together in the lead up to the 2021 NFL draft. After the 49ers used a trio of first-round picks to move up to No. 3 overall, Jones was the player head coach Kyle Shanahan was infatuated by according to multiple reports at the time.