The San Francisco 49ers have tried to clear enough cap space to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a long-term contract extension before the season starts.
As a result, the team has jettisoned nine players either through free agency or trade.
To some, it might be too little, too late for the 49ers. They are going to have a difficult time meeting their goal of paying Purdy like a top-10 quarterback this offseason.
Further, they are gutting the team and leaving Purdy without weapons in his arsenal. Purdy at this point might be a mere luxury on a dismal roster decimated by salary-cap purging.
The 49ers have to face facts. If they are paying Purdy over $55 million per year he would not be surrounded by the talent he has enjoyed the last three seasons, including the Super Bowl run of 2023.
With Deebo Samuel being traded to the Washington Commanders and other weapons like George Kittle needing extensions, it's reasonable to question whether it is prudent to give Purdy the money he is demanding.
So ...
According to Pro Football and Sports Network, the 49ers should use Purdy as trade bait to try and find their next bargain quarterback in the draft
The top two teams to trade with would be the Cleveland Browns or the New York Giants, as both teams need to solve their 2025 quarterback issues.
The Browns, who need a long-term solution at quarterback, don't really have the salary cap space to take on another significant quarterback contract.
Thank you Deshaun Watson.
However, the New York Giants do.
With Wilson and Jameis Winston on cheap short-term deals, the Giants could use Purdy as their franchise quarterback of the future.
Just a theory now ...
The 49ers could trade Purdy to the Giants for the No. 3 overall pick.
With the third-overall pick, the Niners could then draft Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
By trading with the Giants, San Francisco would also be moving ahead of the New Orleans Saints at No. 9 overall. The Saints are considered the floor for Sanders to slide. In the wake of Derek Carr's shoulder injury, which could sideline him for the 2025 season, the Saints might look to draft his long-term replacement.
With Sanders' rookie deal, San Francisco could afford to extend their own players and participate in free agency next offseason in an attempt to make another Super Bowl run.
It's a hypothetical. A fantasy. But it sure would be a blockbuster.
