After a once-promising season turned disastrous for the San Francisco 49ers, they find themselves beginning an offseason with potential long-term implications for the franchise. Especially as it pertains to the quarterback position. The former Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy has entered contract discussions with the team. However, a reported ask of $60 million annually might not mesh well with the 49ers’ other salary cap considerations. On the East Coast, future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, if he decides to return to the NFL, could become available. After a disappointing stint with the Jets in which the team went 5-12 this season, Rodgers could find himself playing elsewhere. Currently, the 49ers have the third-best odds to land Rodgers for next season (+400), trailing the Las Vegas Raiders (+200) and Pittsburgh Steelers (+300).
The Chico, California, native had previously expressed interest in playing for his hometown 49ers. During the 2021 offseason, 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan reached out to inquire about Rodgers’ availability. The 49ers could benefit from a veteran like Rodgers, with weapons such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, there could be enough firepower there to make a playoff run. Meanwhile, the 49ers could look to draft a quarterback to develop under Rodgers while still being competitive during their tight contention window. If Rodgers were to be released from the Jets, the 49ers could sign him significantly cheaper since they wouldn’t be responsible for his $113 million contract.
There are always concerns with Aaron Rodgers, from his self-proclaimed “enigma”-type personality, which could clash with an established leadership core already in place, to his declining performance, leading the Jets to a worse record than they had in his absence. Regardless, the 49ers have not given any indication either way on Purdy’s future. It would be hard to justify moving on from a quarterback who brought them to the Super Bowl just a year ago.