After leading Alabama to the 2020 national championship, Jones went 15th overall in the 2021 NFL draft to the New England Patriots. After the season, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to become the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach. Head coach Bill Belichick opted to replace McDaniels with a defensive coach (ex-Pats defensive coordinator Matt Patricia) and his former special teams coordinator, Joe Judge. New England opted for another offensive playcalling change, going with ex-Pats offensive coordinator (and ex-Houston Texans head coach) Bill O'Brien. Still, Jones dominated with 342 yards and two touchdowns to lead the 49ers to a 26-23 overtime win.