Brock Purdy Gets Replaced By $60 Million Veteran Star Quarterback In Wild Blockbuster Free Agency Prediction

Could Brock Purdy be on the clock?

Of all the big losses in San Francisco 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan’s coaching career, this one may well have been the most gut-wrenching. (Well, second most).

Kyle Shanahan Coming Up Short Once Again In The Big Game

In his second Super Bowl appearance as head coach, having supposedly finally found his quarterback, former 7th round pick; “Mr. Irrelevant”; Brock Purdy, the former AP Assistant Coach of the Year had an opportunity to get revenge on the exact team who defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl 4 years prior, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite once again being favorites in the lead up to the match, and going into half-time up 10-3, the Niners were unable to put away the Chiefs; failing to take advantage of J’Ayir Brown’s early 3rd quarter interception and having Ray Ray McCloud “muff” a Tommy Townsend punt, that had unfortunately bounced off the foot of 49ers special teamer, Darrell Luter Jr.

Brock Purdy The Answer At Quarterback Moving Forward?

Despite receiving public backing from Shanahan, and a very impressive career winning record so far, going 21-6 over the past two seasons; and, not to mention, being the NFL’s passer rating leader this past season; it does feel like questions can be asked as to whether Brock Purdy is simply a strong ‘game managing’ quarterback who executes reads well in Shanahan’s excellently schemed offense, filled with blue chip offensive playmakers.

Moreover, Purdy has struggled when under pressure over the course of his short career to-date, and his smaller frame and below-desired height, 6’1″, can lean itself towards having a higher proportion of his passes batted down in critical situations, which ultimately may have cost them victory in Super Bowl LVIII.

Steve Spagnuolo dialing up these two key blitz plays on 3rd Down won KC the Super Bowl. #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/zdXg4wyUaY

— Zan🇺🇸 (@GodZanMarino) February 12, 2024

Who Could Replace Brock Purdy As San Francisco 49ers Quarterback?

According Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr, the 49ers could cast aside Purdy for a more expensive, albeit more experienced, veteran quarterback who is already familiar with Kyle Shanahan’s system, from their time together in Washington.

“Kyle Shanahan was really smart these past two weeks in making one talking point clear: He felt that signing Tom Brady and stashing Brock Purdy to the side was a benefit to Purdy and an investment. Could he be able to make the same claim about Cousins who, while less successful, does carry a certain amount of gravitas? Shanahan wants fast processors who don’t miss throws. His affinity for Cousins is known. If the 49ers plan on running it back, it makes sense to bolster the QB room.”

Kirk Cousins The Next Man Up In Santa Clara?

The question remains is: would Kirk Cousins be a true upgrade on Brock Purdy, and his he worth the $45-50 million price tag that he would likely come with after stellar play over the past two seasons, despite coming off a season-ending Achilles tear.

The San Francisco 49ers are projected to be only barely above the cap next season, and that is without the resigning of impressive pass rusher and mid season trade-ee, Chase Young, and other important role players on the team. So it stands to reason that it would take some next level cap wizardry, or down-the-line fiduciary sacrifice to make Kirk to the 49ers work.

And, although Cousins is a little taller than Purdy, and is excellent against the blitz, critical for an older, more statue like quarterback in Cousins’ prototype, he probably has not demonstrated enough post-season success and ‘clutch’ ability in the playoffs to warrant such a contract, especially for a team that is already limited financially.

Some would even argue whether Cousins is an upgrade on Purdy at all, who still has 2 whole years on his ultra cheap rookie deal, considering both Purdy’s younger age, superior mobility and ‘game winner’ mentality, coming back from big deficits twice during these past playoffs to lead game-winning 4th quarter drives.

Ultimately, this is unlikely to happen, although it is quite possible that Shanahan will look into reuniting with his former franchise signal caller , particularly if that QB is willing to take a pay cut to chase an elusive NFL Championship.

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