Would the 49ers Draft QB Shedeur Sanders if He Falls to the 11th Pick?

Could the 49ers Be Looking for Their Next Quarterback?

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best rosters in the NFL, but uncertainty at quarterback could push them into an unexpected move in the 2025 NFL Draft. With reports that Brock Purdy is seeking nearly $60 million per season, the team might be hesitant to commit to such a massive deal. If negotiations turn sour, could the 49ers look to the draft to secure their quarterback of the future?

Shedeur Sanders and the 49ers’ Draft Dilemma

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class. While he’s projected to go early, there’s a chance he could slip to the 11th pick. If that happens, would the 49ers consider drafting him?

On paper, Sanders is a strong fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He’s an accurate pocket passer with a high football IQ, much like Purdy. While he doesn’t have an elite arm or blazing mobility, he makes quick decisions and delivers the ball with precision—traits that Shanahan values in his system.

The 49ers’ Current Quarterback Situation

Even if the 49ers decide they need insurance at quarterback, they aren’t exactly desperate. They recently signed Mac Jones to a two-year, $7 million deal and still have Tanner Mordecai from the practice squad. However, neither is a surefire franchise quarterback. If the 49ers were to move on from Purdy, they’d need a legitimate contender for the starting job.

Would Kyle Shanahan Take a Chance on Sanders?

NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks recently pointed out that the Los Angeles Rams could be a great landing spot for Sanders, citing Sean McVay’s ability to develop Jared Goff into a Super Bowl quarterback. Given that Shanahan and McVay run similar offensive schemes, the same argument could be made for the 49ers.

“If Sean McVay can transform Jared Goff into a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl quarterback, he would work his magic with Sanders, given their similar games,” Brooks wrote. “As a creative play-designer who employs a quarterback-friendly scheme, McVay could handcraft an offense that accentuates Sanders’ game as a drop-back passer.”

Substituting Shanahan for McVay and Purdy for Goff, the logic remains the same. If Shanahan believes Sanders can thrive in his offense, he could be tempted to make the move.

Will Sanders Be Available at Pick 11?

While it’s unlikely that Sanders will slide to the 11th pick, the draft is unpredictable. If quarterback-needy teams address other positions early, Sanders could unexpectedly fall. If he does, the 49ers will have a fascinating decision to make.

Will they continue to negotiate with Purdy and commit to him long-term? Or will they take a bold step toward the future and draft Sanders? If the 49ers are even considering life without Purdy, keeping an eye on Sanders might not be such a bad idea.