Yes, the San Francisco 49ers are one of the NFL’s best teams. That much is true after head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. posted a 12-win season in 2025. A large part of the team’s success in recent years has been Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy. The former Iowa State star has guided the team to three playoff appearances in four seasons, along with a Super Bowl appearance.
However, according to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, Purdy could be seen as one of the league’s biggest losers after the early window of NFL free agency.
The San Francisco 49ers Could Be in Trouble at Quarterback in the Future
GettyBrock Purdy was drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
As formidable as the 49ers have been on offense with Purdy, Gagnon believes 2026 could be tough sledding for that side of the football, especially for Purdy. Here is what he wrote about why that may be the case:
“Purdy’s line looks weak at guard, and 37-year-old left tackle Trent Williams could fall off a cliff any time now. But rather than invest in improvements or reinforcements in those spots, the front office overpaid for a post-prime Evans.”
Gagnon further noted that a potential quarterback competition could take place after the 2026 season, seeing as veteran backup Mac Jones performed successfully in place of Purdy for much of the 2025 season. But with the team deciding not to make major signings along the offensive line so far in free agency, Purdy could struggle.
How the 49ers Can Help Brock Purdy
GettyMike Evans signed with the 49ers in free agency after spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
49ers GM John Lynch made a massive move in the early portion of free agency by signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal worth $60.4 million. Despite entering his age-33 season and coming off his first-ever season with less than 1,000 yards, the former Super Bowl champion is healthy and will give the Niners a No. 1 wide receiver heading into 2026.
Despite Gagnon’s potential reservations about Evans, he will be a big piece of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense this season. Furthermore, contrary to Gagnon’s belief, the team hasn’t done nothing to help the offensive line this offseason. It signed veteran offensive lineman Brett Toth to a one-year deal to fill a potential need at guard. Still, a deal to get future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams back in the building would be quite massive.
A strong draft coupled with healthy seasons from significant contributors on offense, such as All-Pro tight end George Kittle, could help Purdy flourish in 2026. However, Gagnon’s concerns are certainly warranted. Remember, Purdy does have an injury history, and Jones won five of his eight starts this past season. If Purdy were to struggle or get hurt again, a difficult discussion may need to take place. This is especially true if Jones were to come in and play at a high level again.
49ers’ Brock Purdy Dubbed Loser After Early Free Agency Window