The San Francisco 49ers face a critical decision regarding their quarterback position as respected analyst Brian Baldinger suggests a surprising alternative for 2025.
Baldinger confidently stated that the Niners should ditch Purdy in favor of soon-to-be free agent Sam Darnold.
Despite Brock Purdy’s successful tenure, including two NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl appearance, Baldinger argues that the current season highlights Darnold’s superior potential and fit.
“I’d flip him [Purdy] for Sam Darnold. Let’s just think about Sam for a second. He sat there as a backup all year and learned how a first-class franchise game plans. He saw that for the first time in his life. Now he’s with Kevin O’Connell who’s an elite playcaller with a very, very good offense and he’s flourishing,” Baldinger said.
Darnold, now the starter for the Minnesota Vikings, has led the team to an impressive 12-2 record this season.
Baldinger believes Darnold’s success under O’Connell demonstrates his ability to thrive with top-tier coaching, much like what he could receive under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
Additionally, Darnold’s familiarity with the 49ers’ system from his time as a backup in 2023 adds to his appeal.
“He’s bigger and stronger than Brock. Or can you play with both of them and have a competition? I would be interested to see what it would take to get Sam Darnold,” Baldinger added.
(What’s interesting about Baldy’s comments is the fact that he used to be one of the biggest Purdy supporters out there.)
Although Darnold is playing at a near-MVP level this season, most insiders feel the Vikings will move off of him after the season and make way for J.J. McCarthy.
Of course, Minnesota originally drafted the Michigan star to be their franchise quarterback before his unfortunate injury right before the start of the regular season.
Having said that, wouldn’t it be fascinating to see what the Vikings do if Darnold leads the team to the Super Bowl – and dare I say win it??
While Baldinger advocates for Darnold, the 49ers appear steadfast in their commitment to Purdy.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, San Francisco plans to negotiate a long-term extension with Purdy during the offseason.
“I’ve been told the 49ers are still planning to negotiate a multi-year contract extension with Purdy this offseason, backing up the message they’ve consistently sent: ‘Purdy is our quarterback,’” Russini reported.
However, extending Purdy could present challenges.
With the quarterback market booming, Purdy might command a contract exceeding $50 million annually, requiring careful salary cap management.
“How much will they pay him,” Russini wondered. “Extending Purdy is definitely doable, but it will require some savvy salary cap moves and maybe a few roster adjustments in 2025.”
To accommodate Purdy’s potential extension, the 49ers could make significant roster adjustments, including revisiting trade talks for key players like Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel.
Cheaper draft acquisitions and Jauan Jennings’ emergence as a reliable option provide flexibility. (Also, many Niners fans wouldn’t mind seeing Deebo and/or Aiyuk leave at this point.)
Darnold is expected to command a Baker Mayfield-type contract this offseason. (three-years, $100 million with $50 million guaranteed.)
For now, Darnold’s sole focus is on leading the Vikings as far as he can. Meanwhile, Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch will desperately try to pull off a miracle and sneak the Niners into the playoffs.
What are your thoughts on Baldinger’s suggestion? … Do you think Darnold is a better quarterback than Purdy???
