49ers Quarterback Room Review: Depth, Grit, and Big Questions Heading into 2026
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t script it this way. After locking in Brock Purdy with a new deal and signing a backup to solidify the depth chart, the last thing Kyle Shanahan expected was to see Mac Jones under center by Week 3. But in a season where the unexpected became the norm, the 49ers’ quarterback room showed resilience, versatility, and just enough firepower to keep the team firmly in the contender conversation.
Let’s break down the 49ers’ quarterback situation with a look at three key strengths, two notable concerns, and what the depth chart might look like when the 2026 season kicks off.
Quarterback Strengths
1. Depth That Delivered
You don’t win 12 games in the NFL without some serious depth at the most important position on the field. While the 49ers didn’t plan on testing theirs, they were forced to-and it held up under pressure.
Mac Jones stepped in and didn’t just manage games; he threw 39 or more passes in five of his starts and still completed nearly 70% of his throws. That’s not just serviceable QB2 play-that’s stepping into the fire and keeping the offense afloat.
Just look at the AFC Championship game for a reminder of what a typical backup quarterback looks like. San Francisco didn’t get typical. They got a steady hand in Jones and a starter in Purdy who, when healthy, ran the offense with rhythm and confidence.
2. Mobility That Matters
Purdy isn’t going to win a footrace with Lamar Jackson, but his mobility-especially post-bye-was quietly one of the most important developments of the season. After easing back into action, Purdy started tucking and running when the moment called for it, ripping off scrambles of 26, 11, 10, and 9 yards in the second half of the year.
But it wasn’t just about designed runs or broken plays. Purdy’s ability to feel pressure, slide through muddy pockets, and escape would-be sacks gave the offense a fighting chance on plays where the receivers couldn’t shake free. That pocket awareness and escapability became one of his calling cards-and a much-needed asset behind an offensive line that had its ups and downs.
3. Aggression in the Face of Tight Windows
In today’s NFL, you can’t wait for receivers to get wide open. You’ve got to throw them open. And that’s exactly what both Purdy and Jones did.
Jones threw into tight windows on 17% of his attempts, with Purdy close behind at 15.5%-both ranking in the top 17 league-wide. That’s especially impressive when you consider the lack of separation their receivers were getting. Purdy and Jones were working with the second- and eighth-lowest average receiver separation in the league, respectively.
Still, they kept the offense aggressive. They trusted their reads, gave their guys chances to make plays, and didn’t shy away from the throws this offense demands-even if it meant risking a turnover.
That aggressiveness is part of what made Purdy the fourth-best quarterback in EPA per dropback and kept Jones inside the top 20. They weren’t just managing the offense-they were pushing it forward.
Quarterback Weaknesses
1. Turnovers That Came at the Worst Times
Let’s be clear: Purdy had a strong season. But there’s a pattern that’s hard to ignore-his turnovers often came when the team could least afford them.
Heading into the year, Purdy had thrown more interceptions than touchdowns when tied or trailing in the second half or overtime (9 TDs to 15 INTs). That trend didn’t disappear in 2025.
Week 1? Two picks while tied or trailing in the second half.
Week 4? Another one.
Down the stretch? A fourth-quarter interception against the Colts.
Even if some of his turnovers-like those against the Bears and Seahawks-could be chalked up to bad luck or tipped passes, the bigger issue remains: when the pressure ramps up, so do the mistakes.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something the 49ers will need to clean up if they want to make a deeper postseason run.
2. Durability Concerns Starting to Stack Up
This one’s tricky. On paper, this was the first season Purdy missed significant time. But if you zoom out, the injury history is starting to pile up.
There was the UCL tear in the NFC title game as a rookie. A stinger late in 2023.
A back issue in Week 4 of 2024. A shoulder injury in Week 11.
An elbow flare-up in Week 17. And this past season?
Turf toe in Week 4 that lingered, a stinger in Week 18, and another aggravation of that toe injury that shelved him for nearly two months.
At 6’1”, 212 pounds, Purdy doesn’t have the prototypical frame to absorb hits like some of the league’s bigger QBs. That doesn’t mean he’s injury-prone-but it does mean the 49ers have to think seriously about who’s behind him. Because if history tells us anything, they might need that backup again.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Who’s in the Room?
Mac Jones is likely on his way out, and the 49ers could get a second- or third-round pick in return. That’s solid value for a quarterback who proved he can still start in this league-and who’s on a very team-friendly deal.
So what does the room look like behind Purdy?
Here’s a likely trio:
- Brock Purdy - The unquestioned starter when healthy. The offense moves best with him at the helm, and his command of Shanahan’s system continues to grow.
- Tyler Huntley - He brings experience, mobility, and a similar build to Purdy. He’s not flashy, but he’s shown he can run an offense and make plays when needed.
- Kurtis Rourke - The wild card. If he shows enough in camp and preseason, he could push for the QB2 role.
If not, he’s a developmental piece with upside.
Huntley makes sense as the bridge between now and whatever Rourke might become. He’s young, has starting experience, and fits the mold of what Shanahan likes in a backup-smart, mobile, and willing to play within the system.
Final Thoughts
The 49ers’ quarterback room weathered more than its fair share of storms in 2025, and it came out stronger for it. Purdy remains the guy-but the questions about his durability and late-game decision-making are real.
Jones proved his worth and likely earned himself another shot elsewhere. And now, San Francisco has to reload behind Purdy with the right mix of experience and potential.
In a league where your season can hinge on your QB2, the 49ers know better than most how important it is to get that spot right. They did it last year. Now they’ll try to do it again.