Trade rumors swirl as San Francisco navigates quarterback options ahead of the draft
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious situation as they navigate the complexities of contract negotiations with their star quarterback, Brock Purdy. The stakes are high, with Purdy’s future hanging in the balance as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL draft. While there is optimism that a deal can be struck, the franchise is also considering backup options to ensure they are not left vulnerable.
In a recent twist, the 49ers have signed Mac Jones to a two-year deal during NFL free agency, adding another layer to the quarterback mix. This move has sparked discussions among analysts and fans alike about the team’s strategy moving forward. Bill Bender, an analyst for Sporting News, has made a bold prediction regarding the 49ers’ draft strategy. He forecasts that they will select Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft with the No. 147 overall pick.
Leonard, a 6-foot-4, 216-pound dual-threat quarterback, had an impressive season with the Fighting Irish, racking up 906 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Bender noted, “Leonard struggled in the first half of the season but settled in with a 68.2% completion percentage in Notre Dame’s run to the national championship game.” This performance has made him an intriguing prospect for the 49ers, who may view him as a developmental project under the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Throughout his college career, Leonard showcased his potential, completing 63.7% of his passes for a total of 7,311 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. Additionally, he amassed 2,130 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility as a quarterback. If the 49ers decide to draft Leonard, he could compete for the third-string quarterback position alongside Tanner Mordecai, adding depth to the team’s roster.
However, the 49ers are not the only team making headlines in the quarterback market. Trade speculation has been swirling around T.J. Watt and Brock Purdy, particularly after Watt posted a cryptic ‘peace out’ message on social media. Analyst Chris Canty has suggested that the 49ers should consider trading Purdy for Watt, utilizing the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to secure a new quarterback. While this trade idea has gained traction, it raises questions about the implications for both teams involved.
Watt, a defensive powerhouse for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is believed to be worth at least a first-round and third-round draft pick. Critics argue that Purdy’s success can largely be attributed to the exceptional offensive system crafted by Shanahan, along with the support of a talented roster. As Purdy’s career began in 2022, many have debated whether he can replicate his success in a different environment, particularly under Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who emphasizes a defense-first mentality.
For the 49ers, the prospect of trading Purdy for Watt could be a calculated risk. If they were to move forward with this trade, they would need to find a suitable replacement for Purdy, especially with the looming possibility of acquiring a player like Arch Manning in the future. However, analysts caution that such a move could jeopardize the Steelers’ future, making it a contentious topic among fans and experts alike.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are also in the market for a quarterback following the potential loss of Derek Carr for the entire 2025-26 season. Zach Pressnell of Sports Illustrated has proposed that the 49ers consider trading Purdy to the Saints, citing the urgency of the situation. “The New Orleans Saints need to find a new quarterback following the potential loss of Derek Carr for the season,” Pressnell wrote. This scenario highlights the increasing pressure on the 49ers to resolve their contract negotiations with Purdy.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn, the 49ers are currently engaged in negotiations with Purdy that could result in him becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history. Cohn remarked, “If recent history is any indicator, this deal won’t get done until early September and Purdy will hold out until he gets paid — that’s what Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams did the past two years.” This history of holdouts adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the team must weigh the potential fallout of a prolonged negotiation.
As the 49ers approach the draft, they are faced with a critical decision that could shape the future of their franchise. The uncertainty surrounding Purdy’s contract situation, combined with the potential for trades and draft picks, has created a fascinating narrative in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL draft. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the next developments in this unfolding story, as the 49ers look to solidify their quarterback position for the long term.
In conclusion, the San Francisco 49ers are at a crossroads with Brock Purdy’s contract negotiations and potential trades involving other quarterbacks. With the NFL draft on the horizon, the team’s decisions will have lasting implications for their roster and future success.