The San Francisco 49ers appear to have their quarterback situation settled for the 2025 season with Brock Purdy at the helm. However, questions loom about the future beyond next season, particularly when it comes to whether or not the organization will commit to paying Purdy long-term. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, speculation is growing that the team could make a bold move to reset its quarterback timeline by selecting a new signal-caller in the first round.
Currently, draft analysts expect three quarterbacks—Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jaxson Dart—to be taken in the first round of the upcoming draft. Cam Ward is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, while Shedeur Sanders, the high-profile quarterback from Colorado, is considered the likely second quarterback off the board. However, there is some uncertainty regarding where exactly Sanders will land, with some mock drafts suggesting he could fall as low as the seventh overall pick.
If that slide were to happen, the 49ers, who currently hold the 11th overall selection, could be in a position to grab Sanders. Such a move would mark a significant shift in their quarterback strategy. Instead of investing heavily in Purdy once he becomes eligible for a substantial contract extension, San Francisco could choose to pivot to a new quarterback on a rookie deal—one with significant upside and a different skill set.
Sanders has gained attention after a standout Pro Day performance, prompting increased interest from NFL teams. One NFL executive told FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz that Sanders impressed in person, praising both his accuracy and the quality of his throws. “He throws a really catchable ball,” the executive noted. “Accuracy is one thing, but catch-ability is another. Shedeur’s got both. And watching him live today, there was more power—more velocity—than I expected.” The executive also emphasized Sanders’ athleticism, which allows him to evade pressure and make plays, even though he primarily operates as a pocket passer. Despite playing behind a struggling offensive line during his college career, Sanders was able to protect the ball well and avoid turnovers.
If the 49ers were to draft Sanders, it would be a bet on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s ability to tailor his offense around the strengths of a pure pocket passer. Shanahan has a proven track record of building successful systems, and adding a talented rookie quarterback could give the team financial flexibility in the years ahead. With Purdy soon expected to command a higher salary, selecting Sanders or another top quarterback could be a strategic move to maintain roster balance while remaining competitive.
The decision ahead is a complex one, but with the draft approaching, the 49ers may soon have the opportunity to shape the long-term future of their quarterback position.
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