Why 49ers QB Brock Purdy will have to earn his money this season

I never quite understood why there was ever a debate as to whether or not the San Francisco 49ers should have given Brock Purdy a lucrative multi-year extension. In only two-plus seasons, Purdy's led the league in eight passing categories, finished top four in MVP voting, won four playoff games, appeared in two conference championships and a Super Bowl.

Whether or not to pay someone with that resume seems like an easy choice, especially when you compare it to some of the other quarterbacks around the league who've cashed in recently. For example, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa have all recently signed contracts that will pay them north of $50 million per year, and none of them have accomplished any of the achievements mentioned above.

Still, you have to admit that Purdy fell into a great spot. He's had one of the best play callers in the NFL in Kyle Shanahan, and arguably the league's top supporting cast around him. How many quarterbacks can say they've had Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel at their disposal on any given play?

As the 49ers enter 2025 though, things are a little different. Shanahan is still the head coach, and his offensive system will always put whoever is under center in a good position. Kittle, although 32 years old, is still at the top of his game and McCaffrey seems to be on the right track after a lost 2024. Beyond that? It gets a little scary.

The Niner's wide receiver room isn't what it once was. Samuel, who struggled for most of 2024, is now with the Washington Commanders and Aiyuk is working his way back from a major knee injury. He'll likely start the year on the physically unable to perform list and in reality, if he's back on the field before November it'll be considered a win.

So where does the leave the position group?

Jauan Jennings is a scrapy, fan favorite who broke out last season with 975 yards on 77 catches. In the last year of his deal, he's looking for a new contract (which he'll likely get) but can he be a true number one option in Aiyuk's absence? Ricky Pearsall came on at the end of his rookie year with 18 receptions, 247 yards and two scores over his last three games, but he has to prove he can stay healthy and consistent.

Newly acquired Demarcus Robinson can be a stable veteran presence after he serves a likely suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy following a DUI arrest, but the unit appears to be a far cry from the pinnacle of Samuel. Aiyuk and Jennings as a third option.

We saw a glimpse of that over last year's disappointing 6-11 finish where the 49ers were able to gain yards (fourth in the NFL with 6,397) but struggled to score points (14th with 22.9 points per game), convert in the redzone (14th at 57.1%) and get big play touchdowns. For example, in 2023 San Francisco had 15 touchdowns of 20 yards or more in the regular season. In 2024 the offense managed just four.

So, while Kittle and McCaffrey (if healthy) will likely be the focal points, more of the burden will fall on Purdy. The supporting cast just isn't what it once was and the roster lacks depth.

Will he be up to the task?

Shanahan and the San Francisco brass clearly think he is, or they wouldn't have handed out that kind of extension. Still, what to expect in 2025 is anyone's guess. John Lynch admitted a transition to rookies and new players is a process and the team could take some lumps. If that transition can still result in wins and a playoff berth will largely depend on Purdy and his growth in year four.