Brock Purdy’s second full season as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback hasn’t quite lived up to the promise of his breakout campaign. Despite a notable dip in performance, the 49ers reportedly remain steadfast in their belief that Purdy is the right man to lead the franchise moving forward.
A Tough Year for Purdy
Purdy’s stellar 2023 season saw him throw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance where they ultimately fell to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, his 2024 season has been marred by inconsistency and injuries to key offensive weapons like Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey.
Through 15 games, Purdy has thrown for 3,487 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The 49ers were officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether Purdy has regressed or if external factors have played a more significant role in the team’s struggles.
San Francisco’s Stance on Purdy
Despite the disappointing season, insiders suggest the 49ers are not wavering in their commitment to Purdy. On the latest episode of her Scoop City podcast, Dianna Russini of The Athletic shared that San Francisco remains firmly behind their young quarterback.
“I can tell you that they are committed to making Brock Purdy work for them in San Francisco,” Russini said. “Could things change? Of course, we know how this league works.”
The Financial Picture
Purdy’s current contract situation adds an intriguing layer to the 49ers’ decision-making. The quarterback is set to earn just $1.1 million in base salary next season, the final year of his rookie deal. While many expected the 49ers to extend Purdy before the 2025 season, Purdy himself acknowledged during the offseason that nothing is guaranteed.
An extension would likely hinge on whether the team believes Purdy’s 2023 success was the norm or if 2024’s struggles exposed limitations in his game. The type of deal—or lack thereof—that San Francisco offers heading into 2025 will reveal how they truly view Purdy’s long-term future with the team.
The Darnold Connection
Complicating matters is the potential availability of former 49ers backup quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold, now with the Minnesota Vikings, has been outstanding this season and will be a free agent at the end of the year. The Vikings’ decision to draft JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024 suggests they may be preparing to move on from Darnold.
Some have speculated about a possible reunion between Darnold and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, given their past connection. However, Russini dismissed this as unlikely, reiterating the team’s commitment to Purdy as their starting quarterback.
The Road Ahead
For now, the 49ers appear intent on building around Purdy for at least another season. Whether that includes an early contract extension or a wait-and-see approach remains to be seen. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for San Francisco, as they look to rebound from a disappointing year and ensure they have the right quarterback to guide their talented roster back to Super Bowl contention.
While questions remain, one thing is clear: the 49ers are not ready to give up on Brock Purdy just yet.
