San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was drafted with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and is now the face of the franchise, having signed a five-year, $265 million extension in May.
How did we get here?
Purdy’s path to head signal-caller of the 49ers started with injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Purdy got his opportunity and never looked back.
The 49ers had invested heavily in Lance, trading up to select him third overall in 2021. After an injury-plagued stint, he was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 for a fourth-round pick—clearing the way for Purdy to become the long-term starter.
“I wanted nothing but the best for [Lance], and I know he wanted that for me," Purdy said. "But that's just how this business goes and all that. When it did happen, we're about to play our preseason game against the Chargers, and right before the game, they announced [the trade of Lance to the Cowboys], and I didn't really know how to act or what to think.
“I was just like, 'Man, I hope he can go to Dallas and compete and have a great opportunity.'"
That’s not what happened, of course.
Lance recently signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the chargers to compete for the backup quarterback position behind Justin Herbert.
Purdy and Lance’s relationship goes beyond the football field, as the former teammates have stayed in touch even after going their separate ways.
"We've just texted each other, like, 'Hey, dude, hope you're doing good,' like, randomly throughout the season, offseason, or whatever. 'Hope you're doing good,' this and that. It's really just been that," Purdy said. "We haven't really gotten to the details of, 'Hey, how do you feel with this happening?' or whatever. We just stay away from that."
While their paths have taken different directions, Purdy and Lance remain connected by a shared chapter in 49ers history.
