Things haven’t gone as planned for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. After 15 weeks, they are at the bottom of the NFC West with a 6-8 record. And with just three more weeks to go and just a 5.7% chance of making the playoffs, their season will likely be over soon.
Once that happens, the 49ers will shift their attention to negotiating with Brock Purdy, who is eligible for a contract extension in 2025. Purdy is expected to ask for a record-breaking payday, which is why one former NFL star thinks they should pivot to a different quarterback who is much cheaper.
Brian Baldinger Suggests 49ers Should Sign Vikings QB Sam Darnold To Replace Brock Purdy
While sharing his take on whether 49ers general manager John Lynch should make Purdy one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks, former NFL player and current analyst Brian Baldinger was quite clear about his stance.
Baldinger mentioned that instead of giving the 24-year-old Purdy such a huge sum of money, the 49ers should go after Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold instead.
“Flip him for Sam Darnold right now…” Baldinger said. “I would be having a conversation with Minnesota to see what will it take to get Darnold back. He is bigger and stronger than Brock is. Or can you play with both of them at a modicum of salary and afford both of them and, I don’t know, have a competition? I would be interested to see what it would take to get Sam Darnold.”
Brian Baldinger’s advice to John Lynch if Brock Purdy asked for top 5 money in the QB market:
"I'd flip him for Sam Darnold right now.” 🌶️
Via: @MorningRoast957 || @957thegame pic.twitter.com/snKk41ZRk2
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 17, 2024
Purdy is apparently expecting an extension that will pay him north of $50 million annually. Do the 49ers want to pay Purdy top-five QB money?
In 13 games this season, Purdy has thrown for 3,174 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 65% completion rate. On the other hand, in 14 games, Darnold has thrown for 3,530 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a 67.6% completion rate. While Darnold is three years older, he would be drastically cheaper than Purdy.
The 27-year-old is currently on a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings, so he will be a free agent this offseason.
Statically, Darnold has had a better season than Purdy. Also, it’s worth noting that Darnold spent last season with Lynch and the 49ers, so he’s familiar with Kyle Shanahan’s offense and they are familiar with him. Perhaps if Purdy’s demands get out of control, pivoting to Darnold could be San Francisco’s backup plan.
With very few teams in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason, it will be interesting to see what the 49ers decide to do and how much they’re willing to spend.