49ers’ Young Quarterback Trio Faces Offseason Decisions Amid Trade Speculations

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are entering an offseason of critical decisions regarding their quarterback situation and potential player trades. With Brock Purdy leading a quarterback room that is now the third-youngest in the NFL, the team has much at stake as they approach the 2025 season.

Brock Purdy, 25, is set to enter his fourth season, flanked by backups Mac Jones, 26, and Tanner Mordecai, who is 49 days older than Purdy. This youthful trio has sparked speculation about whether the 49ers will seek to add a veteran presence to their roster.

“I think we’re pretty good,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week when questioned about the potential of bringing in a veteran quarterback. “We’ll see. You never close the door.” However, high-profile veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins are unlikely targets due to their hefty contracts.

As the 49ers prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they are considering the addition of a fourth quarterback to assist with offseason workload and training camp duties. The team may aim to uncover a hidden talent, similar to how they found Purdy during the 2022 draft. Purdy is currently the talk of the offseason as he awaits a contract extension that is expected to be the largest in the franchise’s history, particularly after significant payroll cuts made by the organization.

Before next month’s draft, the only quarterback rooms younger than the 49ers are those of the Chicago Bears, led by Caleb Williams, and the Houston Texans, with C.J. Stroud. The Philadelphia Eagles’ depth chart is similarly youthful, featuring Jalen Hurts supported by Tanner McKee and Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Purdy’s previous backups, Brandon Allen and Josh Dobbs, have departed in free agency, and the 49ers have also seen a shift in coaching staff. Brian Griese, the quarterbacks coach for the past three years, has been succeeded by Mick Lombardi, who is now working under offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.

The current quarterback lineup is as follows as the offseason program is set to kick off on April 21:

Brock Purdy

Purdy is expected to face critical discussions over his contract, with speculation that his salary could rise significantly from his current $5.4 million. Earlier this offseason, he promised not to publicly show frustration during negotiations, which have so far remained private.

Yet questions linger about Purdy’s durability, especially following a season marred by injury. He suffered pain in his surgically repaired elbow during the penultimate game of last season and missed time due to a shoulder issue in November. Purdy commenced light throwing sessions in February and is reportedly working with a private trainer.

Mac Jones

Mac Jones, who previously faced disappointment during the Draft when the 49ers chose Trey Lance instead of him, has now joined San Francisco as a free agent. He expressed enthusiasm about working alongside Purdy. “He’s very cerebral, and you can tell he elevates everybody,” Jones said. “If I can help him, I’m happy to help.”

Jones attracted attention during his rookie season, leading the Patriots to the playoffs. His return to the 49ers is marked by familiar ties, having previously thrown with Purdy in the offseason, where they formed a bond that extends back to their college days.

Tanner Mordecai

Tanner Mordecai spent last season on the practice squad as an undrafted rookie and has expressed gratitude for the learning opportunities afforded by the 49ers coaching staff. “It’s awesome to learn here. The Shanahan name is connected to the best offensive mind in the game,” he shared with the Bay Area News Group.

As the quarterback situation unfolds, the 49ers are also grappling with trade questions surrounding injured receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk’s contract includes future injury guarantees that the team is considering removing from their accounts. However, trading Aiyuk may require the 49ers to include additional incentives, such as draft picks, to sweeten any deal.

The stakes are high as the 49ers aim to avoid further complications in their contracts while preparing their roster for a challenging season ahead.