If you’ve been following the drama in Santa Clara lately, you know the vibes have been... well, complicated. The short answer to the question who is 49ers starting quarterback is Brock Purdy. He is the undisputed QB1. But saying just his name doesn’t really cover the rollercoaster the San Francisco 49ers have been on over the last year.
Honestly, if you took a nap during the 2025 season, you might wake up in 2026 feeling a little dizzy. Between massive contract extensions and a "turf toe" saga that felt like it would never end, the quarterback room at Levi's Stadium has seen more action than a Sunday afternoon in the Red Zone.
The $265 Million Man: Brock Purdy's status in 2026
Brock Purdy isn’t just the starter; he’s now the highest-paid player in franchise history. Back in May 2025, the front office finally did it. They handed "Mr. Irrelevant" a five-year, $265 million contract extension. It was a move that basically signaled to the rest of the league: Yeah, we’re betting the house on the kid from Iowa State.
The deal includes $182.55 million in total guarantees. That is "never buy a drink in San Francisco again" money.
But here is the thing: the 2025 season wasn't a victory lap. It was a grind. Purdy dealt with a nagging turf toe injury starting in Week 1, which eventually spiraled into him missing eight games. Critics, of course, came out of the woodwork. When the 49ers struggled in 2024 with a 6-11 record, people blamed the system. When Purdy got hurt in 2025, they questioned his durability.
🔗 Read more: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
Despite all that, Purdy returned late in the 2025 season to lead a massive six-game winning streak. He finished the regular season with 2,167 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in just nine games of action.
The Mac Jones Era (that almost happened)
You might have noticed another familiar name on the 49ers depth chart: Mac Jones.
When Purdy went down with that toe injury, Kyle Shanahan didn't panic. He turned to the former Patriots first-round pick. Surprisingly, Mac Jones didn't just tread water; he actually kept the ship afloat. He went 5-3 as a starter while Purdy was rehabbing, throwing for over 2,100 yards himself.
It’s kind of wild to think about. At one point in November 2025, there were genuine "sports talk radio" debates about whether the 49ers should stick with the hot hand. Obviously, Shanahan stayed loyal to Purdy, but having Mac Jones as a high-end insurance policy has changed the dynamic of the QB room.
💡 You might also like: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
The 2026 QB Depth Chart at a Glance
- Starter: Brock Purdy (The Franchise)
- Primary Backup: Mac Jones (The Reclamation Project)
- Developmental: Adrian Martinez / Kurtis Rourke (Rookie)
Why most people get the 49ers QB situation wrong
A lot of the national media likes to say Purdy is a "system quarterback." They argue that anyone could look good throwing to Christian McCaffrey or Deebo Samuel (well, before Deebo was traded in the 2025 roster reset).
But if you watch the tape from the recent Wild Card win against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026, you'll see why that's nonsense. Purdy threw two picks in that game. It was ugly for a minute. But then, down in the fourth quarter, he went 5-of-7 on a 66-yard game-winning drive. That’s not "the system." That's a guy who knows how to handle the bright lights of the postseason.
The 49ers are currently heading into a Divisional Round matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy is healthy, the toe seems fine, and he’s playing some of the most efficient football of his career.
What to expect moving forward
The "quarterback of the future" talk is officially over. Purdy is the present and the future. However, the 49ers are also navigating a massive "roster reset." Because Purdy’s cap hit is about to jump to nearly $47 million in 2026, the team has had to let go of expensive veterans. You saw it with the defensive line shakeup—trading away guys like Jordan Mason and letting others walk to make room for the QB’s salary.
📖 Related: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
The pressure on Purdy in 2026 is going to be higher than it’s ever been. He no longer has the luxury of being the "cheap rookie" who allows the team to stack the roster with All-Pros. He has to be the reason they win, not just a part of the reason.
If you’re tracking the 49ers for fantasy or just as a fan, keep an eye on his rushing attempts. In late 2025, he started scrambling more—averaging over 4 yards per carry. It adds a dimension to Shanahan's offense that we haven't seen consistently since the early days of Colin Kaepernick, though Purdy does it with more "shifty" energy than pure speed.
Actionable Insights for 49ers Fans:
- Watch the Injury Reports: While Purdy is the starter, his history with turf toe and past elbow issues means the 49ers are always one play away from the Mac Jones show.
- Monitor the Salary Cap: Since Purdy is now a top-tier earner, expect the 49ers to continue relying on rookies like Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins on defense to balance the books.
- Playoff Readiness: Purdy has already exorcised his "Philly demons" with the 2026 Wild Card win. His confidence going into the Divisional Round at Seattle is at an all-time high.