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The debate surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy shows no signs of slowing down. The team clearly believes in its young signal-caller, handing him a five-year, $265 million contract extension this offseason, making Purdy one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
Still, Purdy continues to face criticism from detractors who argue he’s more a product of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system and the elite talent around him than a true franchise quarterback. Despite delivering elite value as one of the NFL’s best bargains over the past three seasons, some remain unconvinced that Purdy deserves to be paid like a top-tier QB.
The latest quarterback ranking from Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, which attempts to project where the passers will rank at the end of the 2025 season, is only adding fuel to that fire. Verderame placed Purdy at No. 17 overall. More notably, Purdy was placed in a tier titled “What Are You?”—a label some may view as a subtle jab at the 49ers’ starting quarterback.
H/t to Peter Panacy of Niner Noise for the find.
Verderame argues that, despite Purdy’s early career success, he still has much to prove. The 49ers’ disappointing 6-11 finish last season likely plays a role in shaping that perception. Of course, that record came amid a wave of injuries, with key offensive contributors missing significant time. Many of those players are expected to return healthy in 2025.
Remaining healthy will be critical to the team’s success in 2025.
The offensive line remains a concern. Star left tackle Trent Williams just turned 37 and missed the final seven games of 2024 due to an ankle injury. Ben Bartch is the frontrunner to earn the starting left guard job following Aaron Banks’ free-agency departure, introducing more uncertainty in the trenches.
Purdy will likely begin the 2025 NFL season without top receiving option Brandon Aiyuk, who continues to recover from ACL and MCL injuries, and wideout Deebo Samuel is now with the Washington Commanders. Christian McCaffrey, who missed most of last season with Achilles tendinitis and a PCL injury, will aim to return to form in the backfield.
The 49ers even enter training camp with a bit of drama. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is reportedly seeking a new contract—or a trade. Tight end George Kittle signed an extension but enters his ninth NFL season.
“Purdy, who received a massive contract extension in the offseason, has a ton of questions swirling around him, and if things aren’t perfect, then what?” Verderame asked. “Last year, the 49ers struggled to stay healthy with McCaffrey, Kittle, Samuel, and Aiyuk missing 27 combined games. Without elite weapons, Purdy threw for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.”
Verderame added, “That’s the epitome of average.”
Interestingly, quarterbacks ranked ahead of Purdy include Dak Prescott (No. 16), Drake Maye (No. 14), and Trevor Lawrence (No. 13), the latter two falling under the “Class of Very Good” tier. Surprisingly, even rookie J.J. McCarthy (No. 9), who has yet to play a regular-season NFL snap, ranked higher than Purdy.
So, what do you think? Is Verderame’s ranking fair, or is placing Brock Purdy in the “What Are You?” tier an unnecessary slight to one of the NFL’s most intriguing—and most debated—young quarterbacks?
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