2026 Could Be the Season That Makes or Breaks the 49ers Franchise Quarterback
The San Francisco 49ers had a successful regular season in 2025, finishing 12-5 and making the playoffs. The year prior, the team went 6-11 and finished last in their division, a disappointing season coming off a Super Bowl run. Despite making the postseason, the 49ers lost in the Divisional Round to the Seattle Seahawks in embarrassing fashion. The Niners also lost to their division rivals in the final week of the regular season, losing out on an opportunity to clinch the first seed. In the last seven seasons, San Francisco has made the playoffs five times, which included two Super Bowl appearances, but has been unable to win the Lombardi trophy. The frustration has begun to build in the fanbase, who feel that something eventually has to give. Heading into 2026, all eyes are on quarterback Brock Purdy.
Purdy has played the starting role for the 49ers for three straight seasons, despite holding the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ nickname after being drafted with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Pro Bowler had an interesting last season, only playing in nine games, where he threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The NFC West Star developed turf toe in Week One, where he initially sat out for two games before aggravating it in Week Four, that sat him out for six more weeks. He made his return just in time for the back end of the season, where he was able to perform at a high level and pace one of his best seasons to date. Now, Purdy is ready to return for next season, where it could be his most important season yet.
The Emerging NFL Star has begun to generate some MVP buzz, with many believing he’s primed to have a breakout season. Wide receiver Mike Evans will now be in the arsenal of the Niners offense, signing a three-year, $60 million contract. The two will be able to develop a connection and potentially become one of the NFL’s best duos. The star quarterback will also now be fully healthy with plenty of playoff experience, and once again have running back Christian McCaffrey in the backfield. Expectations are not only sky high for the team to win their first Super Bowl title since 1995, but also for Purdy to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
