Can the 49ers manage another drama-free offseason at quarterback?
Can the 49ers manage another drama-free offseason at quarterback?
There's no guarantee the San Francisco 49ers get to training camp without any drama under center. However, outside of Brock Purdy's pending contract extension there aren't any major questions in the 49ers' quarterback room for a second-consecutive offseason.
Last year there was a backup QB battle between Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs, but there was no question about Purdy's place atop the depth chart. This offseason there's not liable to be any battles based on the 90-man roster:
Brock Purdy
Purdy's contract will likely be done by the time the season starts, which means it's officially 'prove it' time for the 25-year-old QB. Last season he struggled to keep the offensive ship afloat with some of his surrounding cast dealing with injuries. If he's going to be paid like a top QB, he'll have to perform better in those instances. Whether he learned from last season or developed some bad habits of holding onto the ball too long will ultimately determine his and the team's long-term success.
Mac Jones
Jones should have the QB2 spot locked in. He spent last season as the backup in Jacksonville and while he struggled in seven starts for the Jaguars, he's not an incapable player if he has to step in mid-game or as a starter. Jones should be looking to rebuild his value this year a la Sam Darnold, and barring a disaster the 49ers should give him that opportunity.
Tanner Mordecai
We'll put Mordecai ahead of Rourke for now mostly because Rourke isn't fully recovered from offseason ACL surgery. Mordecai signed as an undrafted rookie last year and spent the season on the practice squad. He'll have an opportunity to earn the third QB spot on game days if the 49ers opt to suit up an emergency QB again. Last preseason he saw action in two games and completed 6-of-10 throws for 103 yards.
Kurtis Rourke
Rourke, a seventh-round pick, may wind up missing the entire season if the 49ers want to stash him on IR to fully recover from an ACL tear he sustained in 2022. If Mordecai plays well it opens the door for Rourke to ease into NFL action by being around the facility, rehabbing, working out and being in meetings. On the other hand, if Rourke is ready to go for the start of training camp he should be given the opportunity to compete for the third QB job. He'll give Mordecai a run for the QB3 spot if he's healthy thanks to his wealth of experience and an NFL-ready arm.
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