49ers Dark Horse Landing Spot for Former MVP Quarterback
The San Francisco 49ers explored signing Tom Brady ahead of the 2023 season, a consideration that could repeat itself this offseason depending upon developments in the AFC East Division. Brock Purdy was a Pro Bowler last year and was in the MVP conversation late into the season before tossing 4 interceptions to the Baltimore Ravens defense on Christmas Day. But life hasn’t been so charmed in the Bay Area this time around, for Purdy or the team in general. San Francisco is currently 5-6 and occupying last place in the NFC West Division standings, though that must be mentioned with the caveat that the franchise is also just one game out of a tie for first place. Purdy missed last week and is uncertain for the team’s Week 13 road showdown against the Buffalo Bills, as he battles an injury to his throwing shoulder.
The 49ers may be able to right the ship down the stretch with two division games remaining, but they also face a resurgent Miami Dolphins team on the road and the juggernaut Detroit Lions in Santa Clara in Week 17. There is a very real chance that if San Francisco can’t win in Buffalo this weekend, the reigning NFC champions could miss out on the playoffs altogether.
Obviously, that would be a huge blow to the team and its fan base. But, it might also open the door for San Francisco to pursue a four-time MVP in Aaron Rodgers during the offseason. Rodgers and the New York Jets are 3-8 this season and clearly at odds. Rodgers said on Tuesday, Nov. 26, that he isn’t sure if he wants to play next season, but if he does the Jets are his top choice. That may be true or it may be posturing to a degree, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Saturday that Rodgers wants out of the Big Apple and Jets owner Woody Johnson wouldn’t necessarily be sad to see him go.
Rodgers turns 41 years old next week and has had a middling, or even down, year by his standards (2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions). That said, the Niners have a Super Bowl-caliber roster with weapons all over the field, they are Rodgers’ hometown franchise and head coach Kyle Shanahan showed less than a year and a half ago that he was willing to add a QB over 40 with a championship resume and a short career window remaining. San Francisco has an expensive roster that is built to win now, while Purdy will enter the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2025 and become a free agent the following offseason. Bringing in Rodgers to compete with Purdy adds depth at the game’s most important position and provides injury insurance in both directions. It could also potentially lower the cost of a second contract for Purdy should the 49ers decide to re-sign him in 2026, which would be important considering all the other talent the team is already paying top dollar.
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