After the San Francisco 49ers’ most recent victory, there’s no reason to start planning for 2024, but the best teams are never content to stay one step ahead. Following a 42-19 thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers are more confident than ever in Brock Purdy.
But who supports him going forward isn’t a given. For this reason, the NFL staff at Bleacher Report thinks San Francisco should be in the running for current quarterback Teddy Bridgewater of the Detroit Lions in 2024. Currently, San Francisco has two options; however, both may be tested in free agency the following spring.
According to the December 4 article, “Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen are upcoming free agents, so San Francisco could be in the market for a backup quarterback during free agency.” “Since the team will probably be a Super Bowl contender again next season, it would be nice to have someone with starting experience in case something were to happen to Brock Purdy.”
Given his affiliation with the Shanahan system, Bridgewater’s case may be the strongest.
The website adds, “Bridgewater also played for the Miami Dolphins last season, who are led by Mike McDaniel, a disciple of Kyle Shanahan, so the journeyman quarterback should be able to pick up the playbook quickly.”
Definitely nothing to be concerned about at this time. However, Bridgewater makes a lot of sense as Purdy’s backup and mentor if Darnold is given the chance to start somewhere else.
Teddy Bridgewater’s ‘Journeyman’ Career
In the 2014 NFL Draft, Bridgewater was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings with the 32nd overall pick, following his impressive performance at Louisville from 2011 to 2013. Bridgewater was a prospect with a lot of potential, and Minnesota took a chance on him.
His first few days in Minneapolis went well. He was 17-11 as a starter in 2014 and 2015, and in 2015, he was selected to the Pro Bowl. He passed for 3231 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions per pass attempt in that second season.
But in 2016, Bridgewater sustained additional structural damage in addition to an ACL tear during preseason drills. Not only did it ruin that season, but it also kept him out of commission for the entirety of 2017. The following spring, Minnesota decided to allow him to walk as a free agent.
Bridgewater has moved around in the years that have passed. The Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Denver Broncos have all started the former Louisville standout. Throughout his 33-32 career as a starter, he has averaged 191.4 passing yards per contest, with 47 interceptions against 75 touchdowns.
49ers QB Brock Purdy Becomes Vegas Favorite for NFL MVP
In the 49ers’ dominant win, Purdy threw for 314 passing yards and four touchdowns. San Francisco’s offense is firing on all cylinders, and Purdy hasn’t looked more assured. That may be part of the reason why Vegas has the second-year QB as the MVP favorite.
DraftKings Sportsbook recently showcased the MVP odds, and they have the 49ers QB as the current favorite at +300. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts was the favorite coming into the weekend, but he now trails Purdy at +350.
After the 49ers’ three-game losing streak earlier in the year, Purdy and the offense has bounced back in a big way. Over those four games, Purdy has totaled 1152 passing yards and 11 touchdowns while throwing just one INT.
