Fred Warner on Brock Purdy: “He’s the Best. I See It Every Single Day.”
The conversation around Brock Purdy’s place in the NFL quarterback hierarchy isn’t going anywhere-and Fred Warner just added some serious fuel to the fire.
The 49ers’ All-Pro linebacker didn’t hesitate when asked where Purdy stacks up among the league’s best. During a recent appearance on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Warner made it crystal clear: in his eyes, there’s no one better.
“Justin Herbert’s a great quarterback, but he’s not Brock Purdy,” Warner said. “Brock Purdy’s the best. I see it every single day.”
That’s not just locker room lip service. This is coming from one of the most respected defensive minds in the game-someone who studies quarterbacks for a living and lines up against elite talent every week. Warner’s praise carries real weight.
A Season of Setbacks, But Purdy Still Delivered
The 49ers' 2025 campaign didn’t go as planned. Injuries hit hard across the roster, derailing any real shot at a deep postseason run. Purdy himself missed time with a turf toe injury, but when he was on the field, he made his presence felt.
Despite the adversity, he still managed to post 2,167 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in just nine starts, leading the 49ers to seven wins in those games. That kind of efficiency, especially under less-than-ideal circumstances, is exactly why Warner is so bullish on his quarterback.
Processing Power: What Separates Purdy
When Adams pressed Warner by bringing up Justin Herbert-a quarterback Warner has long admired-he didn’t back down. While he acknowledged Herbert’s raw talent, Warner pointed to something deeper that sets Purdy apart.
“I think Brock processes the game at a different level than everybody,” Warner said. “Pre-snap, post-snap, knowing exactly where the ball needs to go, that’s what separates him.”
It’s a subtle but crucial distinction. Herbert might light up the stat sheet with big throws and highlight-reel plays, but Warner sees Purdy’s mastery of the mental side of the game as the true X-factor.
The Numbers Back It Up
Since entering the league in 2022 as the final pick in the draft, Purdy has done nothing but win-and do it efficiently. He’s consistently ranked near the top in passer rating, yards per attempt, and touchdown-to-interception ratio. His completion percentage and efficiency metrics have outpaced more heralded names, including Herbert.
Herbert, to his credit, has posted bigger volume numbers-more yards, more touchdowns-but also more interceptions and fewer wins. He’s been asked to do more in a less stable environment, but the results haven’t always translated to team success.
Purdy, on the other hand, has been the steady hand in San Francisco’s offense. He’s not just managing games-he’s elevating them.
Warner Sees a Trophy Case in the Making
For Warner, this isn’t just about what Purdy has already done-it’s about where he’s headed. He didn’t shy away from making a bold prediction.
“It’s only a matter of time before he’s got not only a Super Bowl trophy, but an MVP trophy,” Warner said.
That’s high praise, but it’s not coming from a place of blind optimism. It’s coming from a teammate who’s seen the work up close, who’s watched Purdy dissect defenses in practice and deliver under pressure on Sundays.
Inside the Locker Room, the Debate Is Over
Outside the building, the debate over Purdy’s standing among NFL quarterbacks will rage on. But inside the 49ers’ locker room, there’s no question. To Fred Warner and the guys who suit up alongside him, Brock Purdy isn’t just good-he’s the gold standard.