George Kittle Praises Brock Purdy’s Leadership Amid San Francisco 49ers’ Uncertainty

After a season that didn’t go as planned for the San Francisco 49ers, tight end George Kittle had nothing but positive words for his team’s young quarterback, Brock Purdy. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Kittle expressed his pride in Purdy’s development as a leader.

A Steady Rise for Purdy

Kittle was quick to highlight Purdy’s growth throughout the season, praising his leadership qualities. “I think Brock took a huge step forward as a leader this year,” Kittle shared, according to David Lombardi. While the team didn’t rack up more wins, Kittle believes Purdy showed significant improvement in his ability to lead, which is crucial for any quarterback.

For a player selected as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, often called “Mr. Irrelevant,” Purdy’s progress has been impressive. His leadership growth is particularly notable, given the pressure of stepping into the role with the 49ers’ playoff hopes at stake.

Purdy’s Journey to Starting QB

In his third season with the 49ers, Purdy has already seen both highs and lows. Initially drafted as a backup, Purdy has stepped up to become the team’s starting quarterback, guiding the 49ers to a 23-13 record through 36 games. His development has been a remarkable story, considering he was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Before entering the NFL, Purdy was a four-year starter for Iowa State, where he threw for 12,170 yards and completed 67.7% of his passes. However, despite his success in college, no one expected him to have such an impact in the NFL, especially after the 49ers had traded up for Trey Lance just a year earlier.

The Big Question: What’s Next for Purdy?

As Purdy enters his third season, the 49ers are now faced with the challenge of re-signing their starting quarterback. Purdy’s current rookie contract, a four-year deal worth $3.7 million, is about to expire. With his performance improving, his market value has skyrocketed. According to Spotrac, Purdy could command a contract worth $59.7 million per year.

The 49ers are currently in a favorable financial position, holding the ninth-most cap space in the NFL with $67.6 million available. If they are confident that Purdy is their long-term solution, locking him into a new contract seems like a logical step.

Decisions to Make: Sign or Trade Purdy?

However, there is still some uncertainty surrounding Purdy’s future with the team. If the 49ers believe they can find a better quarterback, they may consider trading Purdy or letting him walk in free agency. While it would be surprising to see the 49ers part ways with their young quarterback, the team could opt for a different direction.

The decision to sign Purdy to a new contract will largely depend on his development not only as a leader but also as a quarterback capable of taking the 49ers to the next level. Kittle’s endorsement of his growth as a leader is a positive sign, but Purdy’s performance as a passer will play a significant role in securing his future with the team.

As the 49ers prepare for the future, all eyes will be on Brock Purdy’s next steps — both as a leader and as a quarterback who could soon secure a substantial contract.