The NFL’s top 100 list stirred up a familiar offseason argument when Baker Mayfield landed ahead of Brock Purdy. Mayfield checked in at No. 77, while Purdy was slotted at No. 85, and that gap has already raised eyebrows.
The numbers from last season don’t settle the debate cleanly, mostly because Purdy missed half the year. Mayfield played 17 games and finished with a 63.2 percent completion rate, 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Purdy appeared in nine games, completed 69.4 percent of his passes, threw for 2,167 yards, and posted 20 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
If you widen the lens to include everything since 2022, the comparison gets tighter. Mayfield has completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 14,400 yards with 105 touchdown passes and 45 interceptions in 63 games. Purdy’s career line sits at a 67.9 completion percentage, 11,685 yards, 84 touchdown passes and 37 interceptions in 49 games.
That’s why the real separator, at least in this argument, might be Mike Evans. He had a choice in free agency this offseason and chose Purdy over Mayfield, which says plenty.
Evans has also played with Tom Brady, so he’s seen elite quarterback play up close. At this stage, he clearly decided Purdy was the better fit to get him the ball.
And that choice could matter even more now that Evans is on Purdy’s side. Purdy is working with a stronger supporting cast than Mayfield has in Tampa Bay, and if he stays healthy, the setup should help him post better numbers. If Purdy and Evans click the way the Buccaneers clearly hope they can, this debate may not stay close for long.
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For 49ers fans, the interesting part is not just the praise, but what it could mean down the road. If Saleh ever finds himself back on the market, San Francisco would make sense as a possible landing spot again, especially if a defensive coordinator opening comes up and the organization is looking for a familiar voice who already knows the room. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Fans Hit With Another Disturbing Brandon Aiyuk Twist
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The controversy also comes as the speculation around a possible move to Washington continues to linger, even if not everyone is buying it. Former NFL receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has publicly brushed aside the idea of Aiyuk landing with the Commanders, leaving the bigger questions around the receivers next step and what comes next for the 49ers still unresolved. [Read more 🡒]