NFL executive: 49ers have tough decision to make on Brock Purdy

Kari Edmondson-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are currently 3-4 on the season, with quarterback Brock Purdy posting one of the worst performances of his career. He threw three interceptions in Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, only the second time he threw three or more interceptions in a game, the first being last Christmas against the Baltimore Ravens when he threw four interceptions. His passer rating of 36.7 was abysmal, his lowest as a starter.

The 49ers will have to make a decision on Purdy after this season. Many believe there is no real decision to be made: San Francisco should make Purdy one of the highest paid players in the NFL, if not That the tallest. Such a move would limit the team’s flexibility at other positions. So far, the 49ers have benefited from minimal salary cap impact from their quarterback.

An unnamed NFL executive speculated about the team’s capabilities given the aging of its key players. As The Athletic’s Mike Sando notes, the 49ers have the third-worst age-weighted roster in the NFL, thanks in part to the fact that they’re paying big money to retain key veterans. Players like Trent Williams (36) and George Kittle (31) are still very productive, but they come at a high price.

“They have to make a decision about should they just move away from that old core and build around Purdy, or do they trade Purdy, get stuff for him and take a cheaper option at quarterback?” – the manager said to Sando.

Finding a reliable starting quarterback in the NFL is no easy task, and starting the search all over again may seem risky, especially after years of tinkering with Brian Hoyer, C.J. Beathard, Nick Mullens, Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.

Speaking of Lance, his acquisition cost the 49ers several first-round picks, and the decision had a lasting impact on their roster-building efforts.

“This is probably San Francisco’s biggest problem,” another executive told Sando. “They’re starting to feel like Trey Lance is a first-round pick. They did a good job with the draft and subsequent picks. It’s great that they got Purdy. He makes up for one of those first-round picks, but not the other two.” “

While the first executive doesn’t dispute Purdy’s skill, he doesn’t consider him an elite NFL talent and is skeptical about paying him as such.

The most likely scenario is that the 49ers and Purdy agree to a long-term deal, meaning decisions will have to be made at other positions. Trading Brandon Aiyuk, who will likely miss the rest of the season, is impossible. Instead, the 49ers could face selecting Deebo Samuel or Kittle, both of whom will be entering the final year of their contracts next season.

For now, the 49ers will focus on bouncing back after their win over the Dallas Cowboys. A loss in Week 8 will undoubtedly cause even more concern as the team heads into its bye week.