The road ahead for the San Francisco 49ers looks uncertain. After a heartbreak in the 2023 Super Bowl, they find themselves grappling with the so-called Super Bowl hangover.

A significant factor in their future planning is the looming contract situation with their quarterback, Brock Purdy. Purdy is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and could become a free agent by 2026.

Ultimately, it seems Purdy is destined to leave the 49ers and join the Detroit Lions.

Purdy has played the role of a dependable game-manager within Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, bringing consistency but not quite propelling the team to the pinnacle. While the 49ers’ offense has shown progress, there’s a feeling they’ve hit a ceiling with Purdy at the helm.

Previously, the team attempted to move beyond the game-manager archetype with Trey Lance, though his development required more time than anticipated. Despite this, Purdy has managed to rack up 9,141 yards and 61 touchdowns against 25 interceptions over three seasons.

However, inconsistencies in fitting into Shanahan’s system have occasionally stalled his performance.

For a franchise like the 49ers, letting Purdy move on could be a strategic decision. While he led them to a Super Bowl appearance, the absence of a championship win and their current financial commitments to stars like Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams make offering Purdy a hefty extension imprudent. Especially after missing the playoffs, overpaying Purdy would potentially hinder the franchise’s long-term progression.

Looking at the Detroit Lions, Purdy might find a fitting new home. His playing style parallels that of Jared Goff, which makes for a smooth potential transition to Detroit’s offense.

Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Lions, has been vital to their offensive success. His potential continued presence past 2026 could benefit Purdy greatly, given Johnson’s patience in waiting for the right head coaching job offer.

Detroit’s current roster is rich with talent—Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta could provide Purdy with the surrounding talent and culture to elevate his game. Much like Goff, Purdy could find the Lions’ environment conducive to getting his career back on track, indicating a promising future for both player and team.