The San Francisco 49ers have a big decision to make when it comes to Brock Purdy this offseason. After a down year, he has one year left on his contract and the 49ers could look to replace him.
The 49ers have yet to offer Purdy an extension after he led them to the Super Bowl last season. He struggled this season, throwing 12 interceptions and just 20 touchdowns. The 49ers saw that when the roster around him was decimated, Purdy failed to step up. The team could look to replace him before they have to pay him. FanSided’s Scott Conrad suggested the team could target Justin Fields in free agency.
“He was traded a year ago to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The AFC North juggernauts overturned their entire quarterback room as they dismissed all three of their incumbents, bringing aboard Fields and former Broncos and Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Russell Wilson,” wrote Conrad. “The Steelers have shown very little loyalty to Fields since, though. This may be the opening for San Francisco to lure the former Ohio State Buckeye to the Bay Area.”
Fields went 4-2 as the starter in 2024 before taking a backseat to Wilson. He showed great improvement as a passer and took care of the football. His improvements could signal he could be molded into a franchise quarterback with Kyle Shanahan. His athletic ability could also add a new dynamic to the 49ers offense.
“Notably of a different ilk than Purdy. Fields scored almost half as many rushing touchdowns (eight) as he did throwing touchdowns (17) in 2022,” wrote Conrad. “Fields is young enough to be groomed into a franchise quarterback. After all, it took more than two teams for veteran signal-callers like Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith to find their bearings as legitimate starters in the league.”
More NFL: Packers urged to sign Buccaneers $67 million Pro Bowler this offseason