The San Francisco 49ers will not be in the playoffs after reaching the Super Bowl last season. Brock Purdy is entering the final year of his contract and will be looking for a lucrative extension. If the 49ers feel they don’t want to move forward with him, they could trade him and sign his replacement as soon as this offseason.
Purdy has struggled with elbow injuries and did not have his best season in 2024. The 49ers employed Sam Darnold as their backup quarterback last season. FanSided’s Cody Williams suggested him as a replacement for Purdy this offseason.
He has turned into a legitimate MVP candidate with the Minnesota Vikings this year. Why would the Vikings ever let him walk? The Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in the last NFL Draft. The Vikings clearly believe in what he can do in Kevin O’Connell’s system. He is also on a rookie contract, allowing them to spend around him.
Meanwhile, Darnold is projected to sign a four-year, $141 million deal this offseason. If the 49ers make a run at Darnold this offseason, they could end up getting a decent return for Purdy.
“As such, Darnold figures to be arguably the most coveted free agent in the NFL this offseason at the position. He’ll get a payday north of $35 or even $40 million in AAV, which might be out of the Niners’ price range,” wrote Williams. “At the same time, however, putting him in the hands of another offensive guru in Shanahan could keep this career resurgence rolling.”
More NFL: 49ers could replace Brock Purdy with $8.8 million first-round pick
