The NFL offseason’s in full swing, and the clock’s ticking for the San Francisco 49ers to lock down Brock Purdy. The 25-year-old quarterback’s heading into the final year of his rookie deal, and with every cut, trade, and roster shuffle, the Niners’ next move is anyone’s guess. Are they clearing cap space to pay their young signal-caller, or are they gearing up to flip him for assets? If it’s the latter, the Pittsburgh Steelers—still hunting for a franchise QB—might just be the team to pounce. Let’s break it down.
The Niners’ Dilemma: Pay Purdy or Pivot?
Purdy’s been a revelation since stepping in as the last pick of the 2022 draft. Over three seasons, he’s racked up 10,861 yards, 70 touchdowns, and just 28 picks—numbers that scream competence, if not outright stardom. He’s led the 49ers to a Super Bowl and kept them in contention, all while earning peanuts on his rookie contract. Now, word is he’s eyeing a $50 million-a-year extension, a figure that’d put him among the league’s top-paid QBs. That’s a hefty ask for a guy who’s thrived with a stacked supporting cast but isn’t exactly Patrick Mahomes.
San Francisco’s roster’s shifting fast. Deebo Samuel’s gone in this scenario, traded away, and Christian McCaffrey’s not getting any younger at 28. The offensive line’s got holes, and the defense isn’t the juggernaut it once was. Purdy’s a system fit—smart, accurate, and poised—but he’s leaned hard on playmakers like Samuel, McCaffrey, and George Kittle to elevate his game. Without that elite crew, can he carry a team? The 49ers might be asking themselves if $50 million a year is too steep for a game manager when they could reset with a rookie QB and stockpile picks instead. Trading Purdy could net them the draft capital to rebuild around a younger core, especially if they’re eyeing a full retool.
Steelers’ QB Quandary: Time to Trade?
Over in Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation’s a mess. Russell Wilson’s a free agent and doesn’t seem to be coming back after a rollercoaster 2024. Justin Fields? He’s off to the Jets in this timeline, leaving Mason Rudolph as the lone arm on the roster. Rudolph’s a gamer—8-5-1 as a starter in his first Steelers stint—but he’s not the long-term fix for a team that’s been starving for stability since Ben Roethlisberger hung it up. The Steelers could roll the dice on a rookie in the draft, but with a late first-round pick (think 20s or lower), the top-tier prospects like a Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders might be out of reach. This isn’t a loaded QB class, either—waiting for a diamond in the rough could backfire.
Enter Brock Purdy. He’s not elite, but he’s proven he can win in the NFL—something Pittsburgh hasn’t had consistently in years. His 68.7% completion rate and 9.0 yards per attempt over his career show he’s efficient and can push the ball when needed. Pair that with the Steelers’ revamped offense—DK Metcalf and George Pickens forming a nightmare duo at receiver—and you’ve got a recipe for success. Add Pat Freiermuth at tight end and a run game led by Najee Harris (assuming he’s still around), and Purdy’s walking into a setup that’s not far off from what he had in San Francisco. He needs weapons to shine, and Pittsburgh’s got ’em.
The Trade: Making It Work
What would it take? The 49ers aren’t letting Purdy go cheap—he’s young, experienced, and has playoff chops. A first-rounder feels like the starting point, maybe Pittsburgh’s 2025 pick (let’s call it No. 22) plus a Day 2 selection (a second or third). The Steelers just shelled out big for Metcalf, so they’re clearly in win-now mode—parting with picks for a QB who’s ready to roll fits that vibe. For San Francisco, it’s a chance to grab a high pick and maybe a prospect, giving them ammo to draft a new QB or bolster the roster elsewhere.
On the field, Purdy’s a fit. Mike Tomlin loves quarterbacks who don’t turn it over—Purdy’s 2.5% interception rate is right in that wheelhouse. He’s not a scrambler like Fields, but he’s mobile enough (475 rushing yards in ’24) to keep defenses honest. With Arthur Smith calling plays, expect a scheme heavy on play-action and deep shots—areas where Purdy’s thrived. Imagine him hitting Metcalf on a go route or Pickens on a contested catch while Harris pounds the rock. That’s an offense that can hang with the AFC’s big dogs like the Chiefs or Bengals.
The Big Picture: A New Face of the Franchise?
Purdy-to-Pittsburgh isn’t just about filling a roster hole—it’s a statement. The Steelers haven’t had a young, proven QB to build around in forever. At 25, Purdy’s got a decade of prime years ahead, and he’s already shown he can handle pressure (that Super Bowl run wasn’t a fluke). For the Niners, moving him signals a fresh start—maybe they snag a top-10 pick in a future draft or package assets to jump up for a rookie they love. Either way, it’s a pivot point for both teams.
Could it happen? The 49ers would need to sour on Purdy fast, and the Steelers would have to strike while the iron’s hot. But if San Francisco opts for a reset and Pittsburgh’s tired of patching the QB spot with duct tape, this trade’s got legs. Picture Purdy in black and gold, slinging it to Metcalf and Pickens under the Heinz Field lights—sounds like a Steelers season worth watching.
