For The Win makes the case for 49ers to sign former first-round QB

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s start by recognizing that this scenario is very unlikely to come to pass. Although Brock Purdy’s status for Sunday’s playoff rematch between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers remains uncertain, the team does not appear to view his shoulder injury as a long-term concern .

On Friday morning, general manager John Lynch confirmed that veteran Brandon Allen would get the start if Purdy couldn’t play this weekend. Beyond that, the 49ers are optimistic about Purdy returning to the lineup and being ready to face the six remaining opponents on the schedule.

He hasn’t even been ruled out of this weekend’s game yet.

Purdy underwent an MRI earlier this week and, according to Lynch, the results revealed nothing alarming.

“We’re happy with where we are from that standpoint,” Lynch said. “But still, you have to be able to go out and operate. And so, we’re kind of figuring all that out. Brock is going to show up here today, and we’ll see where he can go in terms of practical, and we will make certain decisions accordingly.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants announced Friday that they have agreed to release quarterback Daniel Jones, a former No. 6 overall pick who has struggled to live up to expectations. With his large salary cap hit, Jones is virtually guaranteed to land on waivers, making him free to sign with any team.

This development sparked speculation from For The Win’s Christian D’Andrea about potential landing spots for the underachieving quarterback, who has 69 NFL starts on his resume. Surprisingly, one of D’Andrea’s five proposed destinations was the 49ers.

“Brock Purdy is dealing with a sore shoulder and missed practice time leading up to the Week 12 showdown with the Green Bay Packers,” D’Andrea noted. “In 2023, Kyle Shanahan could have turned to Sam Darnold as his backup. In 2024, he will be reduced to integrating Brandon Allen into the lineup.

“As such, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch could opt for another former top-10 pick to run his emergency offense. The Niners’ post-catch run magic would be a boon for Jones, who used a quick short-range strike to a 9-7-1 season with New York in 2022. He would also help Shanahan prove he can make San Francisco’s offense click with just about anyone behind center. .

Of course, even if the 49ers were interested in Jones, he wouldn’t be ready to play against the Packers. Additionally, if Purdy’s injury sidelines him beyond this weekend, Jones is unlikely to have a significant impact on the offense.

Given Jones’ struggles in New York, the 49ers might be better off sticking with Allen if Purdy isn’t available. Allen spent the last two seasons in the 49ers system and has a deeper understanding of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s expectations than Jones could develop in such a short time frame.

If Shanahan is eager to demonstrate his ability to make his offense click with just about anyone behind center, success with Allen under center would certainly validate that assertion.

Jones has 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 games this season, going 2-8 as a starter. Although his potential landing spot remains uncertain, it’s a safe bet that he won’t land with the 49ers this season.