NFL writer explains why 49ers QB Brock Purdy 'can dominate' in 2025
In 15 games, Purdy completed a career-low 65.9% of his passes for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns and a career-high 12 interceptions. However, that didn't dissuade the 49ers from giving the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft a massive five-year, $265 million extension, making him the seventh-highest paid quarterback by average annual value.
Over the offseason, San Francisco made Purdy's job a bit more difficult when they shipped Deebo Samuel, who caught 334 passes for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns in his six years with the 49ers, to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick. To help fill his spot, they signed Demarcus Robinson and drafted Jordan Watkins in the fourth round.
It's reasonable to expect Purdy to take some time to adjust to things in 2025, including his new weapons. However, there's also a chance that he shows why he was deserving of that extension. On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon explained why each quarterback in the NFL can dominate this year, and his reasoning regarding Purdy was sound.
"The 25-year-old has the highest career passer rating in NFL history (min. 1,000 attempts), and he's still surrounded by plenty of talent," Gagnon wrote. "Better injury luck for the 49ers could be all it takes."
The toughest part for Purdy could be the beginning of the year, as Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco's top wideout, is recovering from a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus he suffered midway through their 2024 campaign. If he misses the start of the season, Robinson and Jauan Jennings could be the 49ers' top two wide receivers early. That's not exactly an ideal situation.
However, if a quarterback is going to make over $50 million per year, they should be able to elevate the group around them. We'll see how Purdy will handle that pressure this year.
More 49ers: 49ers may have 2 big issues at key offensive position entering training camp
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2025 Fantasy Football Rookie RBs: Is Ashton Jeanty too big to fail?
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He still has work to do in order to become a star wideout, but the connection with Allen has been stronger and more frequent. Last year's target leader Khalil Shakir is dealing with a high ankle sprain that's supposed to keep him sidelined for 4-5 weeks, which puts his availability for the opener in doubt. It also makes you wonder if Shakir will be 100% early in the season. The door is wide open for Coleman to assert himself as the Alpha receiver on this depth chart and to take a big step forward in fantasy. There aren't many receivers with double-digit touchdown upside who are on the board in the late rounds — don't let Coleman slip past you. He's a borderline breakout candidate that people continue to overlook. Rashid Shaheed, Saints Questions about the Saints' quarterback situation are likely responsible for keeping Shaheed's ADP in check. People might also be forgetting what he's accomplished over the last couple years. 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Depth WRs pushing for starting roles Jalen Royals, Chiefs — The Chiefs are another team that battled through receiver injuries a year ago. They're hoping to avoid that outcome this year with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown and now Royals filling out the depth chart. The fourth-rounder has impressed in training camp and could become a favorite target for Patrick Mahomes. Royals will be the obvious replacement if/when Rice is suspended. If that stint goes well, Royals could push Brown for work in three-receiver sets moving forward. Adonai Mitchell, Colts — I'll admit, my belief in Mitchell's talent is one of the few areas where my analytical approach gets thrown out the window. As a prospect, it appeared to me that his skills would translate into a starring role in the NFL. Unfortunately, inconsistency buried him on the depth chart and led to an underwhelming rookie season. The good news is that Mitchell is lighting up Colts' camp, as well as joint practices with the Ravens. 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The fifth-round rookie had his draft stock plummet due to a knee injury that cost him a significant chunk of his final college season. Prior to that, he delivered consecutive seasons with over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. Now it appears he's regaining his form as a member of the Seahawks. Keep Horton on your late-round target list because he's going to be a factor into this offense in the near future. Justin Boone's Fantasy Sleepers Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers Tight Ends (Aug. 8)
