The San Francisco 49ers are currently locked into a difficult contract situation with star quarterback Brock Purdy. While the two sides have not made much progress towards a new deal yet, there is hope that they’ll be able to do so in the future.
Purdy should be expected to remain with the 49ers long-term, but the franchise should also protect itself in case that doesn’t happen.
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Mac Jones was already signed in NFL free agency to a two-year deal. Now, there have been rumblings that San Francisco could consider looking into the quarterback class in the 2025 NFL draft.
A new prediction has them landing an intriguing quarterback option behind Purdy and Jones.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13).Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Sporting News analyst Bill Bender has made a prediction for the 49ers. He has them drafting Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard in the fifth round of the draft with the No. 147 overall pick.
“Leonard (6-4, 216) is a dual-threat quarterback who piled up 906 rushing yards and 17 TDs with the Irish last season. How effective of a passer can he be? Leonard struggled in the first half of the season, but he settled in with a 68.2% completion percentage in Notre Dame’s run to the national championship game,” he wrote. “He was a hot-and-cold passer otherwise, and he will need to develop more consistency to stick as a backup. Leonard could fight for third QB duties with Tanner Mordecai with the 49ers. Working with Klay Kubiak in San Francisco would help Leonard improve those skills.”
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Leonard is a winner, but he is also a raw talent. San Francisco could take him as a developmental project and let Kyle Shanahan work his magic.
Throughout his college career split between Duke and Notre Dame, Leonard played 43 total games. He completed 63.7% of his career passes for 7,311 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. On the ground, he totaled 2,130 yards and 36 more touchdowns.
If the 49ers want to add more insurance behind Purdy, Leonard would be worth taking a flier on.
Related: Buffalo Bills Predicted to Land Josh Allen Exactly What He Needs
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