Brock Purdy (Photo By Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images)
Brock Purdy might not have meant to stir the pot, but one comment about his early days with the San Francisco 49ers has fans talking. Purdy casually recalled a moment from the 2022 season on the “Built 4 More Podcast” when coaches named Jimmy Garoppolo the starting quarterback over Trey Lance. But it was his reasoning that raised eyebrows.

“Once Jimmy Garoppolo became the starter, I was like, I might get some playing time this year. I just don’t know when,” Purdy said. To some, it was a harmless reflection. To others, it sounded like a subtle jab at Garoppolo’s injury history or performance. Either way, it reignited discussions about the 49ers’ quarterback shuffle and Purdy’s unexpected rise to the top.

Was Brock Purdy Taking A Shot At Garoppolo?

Jimmy Garoppolo (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The response online has been mixed. Some fans argue that Purdy was merely acknowledging the reality of being a backup quarterback in the NFL. “When you go from QB3 to QB2, your chances of seeing the field go up dramatically. Especially since Jimmy had an injury history. It should be obvious that this isn’t a shot at Jimmy although we all know he is much better than Jimmy,” one user commented.

Others took a more critical view. “Tbf everyone knows Jimmy G is injury prone,” another fan noted.

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A third fan pointed out the irony, saying, “What Brock doesn’t know is the backup is thinking the same thing about him.”

Regardless of the interpretation, Purdy’s prediction came true. Garoppolo suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in early December 2022, paving the way for Purdy to take over. He finished the regular season 5-0 and led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. His fantastic play earned him the starting job for the 2023 season, while the Las Vegas Raiders signed Garoppolo, only to release him after one year.

Purdy’s comment may not have been intended as a slight, but in the hyper-analyzed world of the NFL, even an offhand remark can stir debate. Whether it was a dig or just an honest take, it’s clear Purdy’s rise continues to shape conversations about the 49ers’ quarterback legacy.

REPORT: Mac Jones Is Looking To Take Brock Purdy’s Job In San Francisco

Mac Jones’ Salary With The Jaguars (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers might be preparing to make Brock Purdy the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history, but that isn’t stopping Mac Jones from eyeing the starting role. The former first-round pick is joining the 49ers with a competitive mindset, believing he can challenge Purdy for the top spot under center.

During an episode of Pro Football Talk Live, Mike Florio emphasized that Jones isn’t coming to San Francisco to play second fiddle. “I’ve heard enough from Mac Jones over the years, and I’ve seen enough. He’s not going to go in there and bow down to Brock Purdy,” Florio said. “He’s going to go in there with the mindset of, ‘I can win this job.’”

Mac Jones Ready To Compete, But Is It Realistic?

QB Brock Purdy (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Jones’ confidence isn’t surprising, given his pedigree as the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He enters a system tailored for quarterback success under head coach Kyle Shanahan. If he quickly grasps the 49ers’ offensive scheme, Jones believes he has the talent to take over. However, not everyone sees this as a legitimate competition.

NBC Sports Boston’s Michael Holley pushed back on the idea of Jones dethroning Purdy, citing the quarterback’s inconsistent track record. “If you talk football with Mac Jones, you love it,” Holley said. “He is an impressive football mind when he’s talking, but when he plays, it’s not pretty. He just does things that are head-scratching, and he will drive Kyle Shanahan crazy.”

Mac Jones’ NFL journey has already taken unexpected turns. Once viewed as the Patriots’ next franchise quarterback, he joins the 49ers after a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His situation mirrors that of other 2021 draft classmates like Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, who are both now backups after high draft selections.

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A fresh start in San Francisco gives Jones another opportunity, but taking Brock Purdy’s job remains a long shot. Even if he gets a chance to step in, Holley predicts it won’t last. “If he does beat out Purdy, it’ll be for a game or two and he’ll go right back in there.”