Brock Purdy sits just outside the elite tier of San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks, but his path forward looks clearer than most young signal-callers face. With a solid foundation from his first three seasons and a return from injury in 2025, Purdy holds the tools to surge past recent predecessors. I see him as the steady hand this franchise needs, especially if he delivers in the clutch moments that define legends.
The 49ers boast a quarterback history stacked with Hall of Famers and near-misses, yet Purdy’s efficiency and poise remind me of the grit that built this dynasty. As we hit Week 4 of the 2025 season, his one-game stat line—277 yards, two touchdowns, and a win—signals a bounce-back year ahead. Health remains key, but a deep playoff push could vault him into conversations about all-time greatness here.
The All-Time 49ers Quarterback Rankings: A Quick Snapshot
HeyTC’s authoritative rankings place Joe Montana at the pinnacle, followed closely by Steve Young in the number two spot. These two set an impossibly high bar, with Montana’s four Super Bowl rings and Young’s MVP dominance anchoring the top. Jimmy Garoppolo holds third, a nod to his steady regular-season play and that memorable Super Bowl run.
John Brodie ranks fourth, a pioneer who dragged the 49ers into relevance during lean years. Colin Kaepernick rounds out the top five, his legs as much a weapon as his arm during that electric 2012-13 stretch. These spots reflect not just raw numbers but the aura each brought to Santa Clara.
Table: Top 5 All-Time 49ers QBs (HeyTC Rankings)
| Rank | QB | Years | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Wins | Playoff Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Montana | 13 | 35,124 | 243 | 112 | 109 | 4 Super Bowl wins |
| 2 | Steve Young | 13 | 29,907 | 221 | 66 | 94 | 1 Super Bowl win, 3 MVPs |
| 3 | Jimmy Garoppolo | 6 | 13,599 | 82 | 42 | 38 | Super Bowl LIV appearance |
| 4 | John Brodie | 17 | 31,548 | 214 | 224 | 66 | 2x NFL MVP |
| 5 | Colin Kaepernick | 6 | 12,271 | 72 | 30 | 28 | Super Bowl XLVII run |
(Data compiled from Pro Football Reference and HeyTC.)
Where Does Brock Purdy Rank Right Now?
Purdy clocks in at sixth on HeyTC’s All-Time San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Rankings list, a fair spot for a quarterback in year four with just 9,795 career passing yards. His 66 touchdowns against 29 picks show smarts under pressure, and that 67.8% completion rate screams efficiency. Yet, injuries sidelined him for two games this season, dropping him briefly to “Injured” status in the rankings.
I rank him seventh overall in the NFL today, per HeyTC’s daily update—ahead of flashier names, thanks to his “Chill” vibe and consistent output. Playoff wise, he’s 4-2 with 1,343 yards and six scores in six starts, numbers that pop more than Garoppolo’s early postseason stumbles. Purdy’s not there yet, but the gap feels bridgeable.
In my experience, covering these arms, guys like Purdy thrive when the supporting cast clicks. The 49ers’ run game and receivers give him an edge no one else in this convo enjoyed.
Jimmy Garoppolo: The Third-Spot Benchmark
Garoppolo’s third-place perch stems from six solid years, amassing 13,599 yards and 38 wins as a starter. He posted a 67.6% completion rate, with 82 touchdowns lighting up scoreboards in 2019 and 2021. That Super Bowl LIV trip, even in defeat, cements his legacy—four playoff wins in five tries.
But here’s the rub: Garoppolo never owned the full spotlight, often riding Shanahan’s schemes. His 42 interceptions reveal occasional sloppiness, and he bolted for Las Vegas without a ring. Purdy, with better arm talent and fewer turnovers so far, mirrors Jimmy’s efficiency but adds mobility.
To leapfrog him, Purdy needs volume—another 4,000-yard season would do it. I doubt Garoppolo’s aura holds up against Purdy’s rising star.
John Brodie: The Forgotten Pioneer in Fourth
Brodie spent 17 seasons grinding through the 49ers’ dark ages, throwing for 31,548 yards and 214 scores. His 66 wins and two NFL MVPs in 1970-71 highlight resilience—imagine leading a 7-6-1 team to glory back then. Yet, 224 picks and scant playoff success (one win) keep him from higher.
Purdy respects that old-school toughness; both undrafted underdogs who overachieve. Brodie’s era lacked protection, so his stats hold weight. Still, Purdy’s modern metrics—higher completion, lower INT rate—position him to pass in a hurry.
If Purdy hits 20 wins by year’s end, Brodie fades to fifth in my book. History honors longevity, but relevance rules.
How Does Purdy Stack Up to Brodie Statistically?
Purdy trails in volume, but efficiency tells the tale. Brodie averaged 1,856 yards per season; Purdy’s at 3,265 over three full years. Touchdown rates? Purdy’s 5.3% edges Brodie’s 4.8%. Wins per start: Purdy’s .649 tops Brodie’s .429.
These edges compound. One more strong campaign, and Purdy’s narrative overtakes the pioneer.
Colin Kaepernick: Fifth Place and the Dual-Threat Echo
Kaepernick’s 12,271 passing yards pair with 2,300 rushing—13 scores on the ground—to make him unforgettable. His 28 wins include that 2012 Super Bowl run: 798 playoff passing yards plus 264 rushing. In 2013, he nearly repeated, scrambling for 243 more in the postseason.
The arm faltered later—but his legs redefined QB play. Purdy lacks that speed, with just 17 rushing yards this season. Yet, Kaepernick’s lightning rod celebrity persona added layers Brodie or Garoppolo can’t touch.
Purdy could eclipse him with sustained passing excellence. A deep 2025 run mirrors Kap’s magic without the controversy.
The Massive Gap to Steve Young at Number Two
Young’s 29,907 yards, 221 touchdowns, and 94 wins scream perfection—three MVPs and a Super Bowl XXIX blowout. His 96.8 passer rating dwarfs the field, with just 66 picks in 169 starts. Playoffs? 8-6, including that 49ers dynasty capstone.
Catching Young demands a ring, as the prompt nails. Purdy’s arm talent evokes Young’s quick release, but volume lags—Purdy needs 20,000 more yards minimum. I believe a Lombardi Trophy flips the script; without it, number two stays untouchable.
Young’s lefty flair set records; Purdy’s righty precision builds on it. One Super Bowl, and the chase intensifies.
What Would It Take for Purdy to Surpass Young?
A Super Bowl win alone won’t suffice—Purdy must average 4,500 yards annually for five years, hit 200 TDs, and claim an MVP. Playoff dominance, like Young’s 11-4 stretch, seals it. In my view, health and rings bridge 80% of the divide.
What Brock Purdy Must Do to Climb the Ladder
Purdy’s ladder shortens with every start. Target third by 2027: surpass Garoppolo’s wins, match his yards. Postseason runs amplify everything—his 2022 NFC Championship game (185 yards, three scores) already outshines Jimmy’s early exits.
I coach him mentally: own the pocket, limit risks. The 49ers’ defense buys time; use it.
Staying Healthy: Purdy’s Top Priority
Injuries derailed 2025’s start—shoulder and toe issues cost two games, with Mac Jones stepping in at 25th in NFL rankings. Purdy’s full practice return for Week 4 versus Jacksonville marks a pivot.
Durability defined Montana and Young; Purdy’s slight frame invites hits. Strength training and smart slides keep him upright. Miss another month, and the climb stalls.
Delivering a Postseason Masterpiece
A good run—say, NFC Championship—propels Purdy past Garoppolo and Brodie. His 4-2 playoff mark includes zero picks in 2022’s three games. Against the Chiefs last year, 252 yards and a score showed poise.
I predict a divisional-round win this January catapults him to fifth. A Super Bowl berth? Third, easy.
Brock Purdy’s 2025 Season Outlook: Bounce-Back or Breakout?
Analysts peg Purdy for MVP contention, a bold call after 2024’s dip. Week 1’s 277 yards and win set the tone; now, facing Trevor Lawrence, he rebounds fully. The 49ers sit 2-1 without him—Jones managed, but Purdy elevates.
Expect 4,200 yards, 30 TDs, and 12 picks if healthy. Shanahan’s scheme maximizes him, per my reads. A 12-5 finish lands a home playoff game, fueling the climb.
Purdy over Lawrence? Absolutely—better decisions, tougher situations. This year’s script favors the underdog again.
Stats Deep Dive: Purdy Versus the Top Three
Table: Purdy vs. Garoppolo, Brodie, Kaepernick (Career with 49ers)
| QB | Yards | TDs | INTs | Comp% | Wins | Playoff Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 9,795 | 66 | 29 | 67.8 | 24 | 4 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | 13,599 | 82 | 42 | 67.6 | 38 | 4 |
| John Brodie | 31,548 | 214 | 224 | 50.6 | 66 | 1 |
| Colin Kaepernick | 12,271 | 72 | 30 | 59.4 | 28 | 4 |
Purdy leads in efficiency, trails in longevity. Pace him at current rates: he hits Garoppolo’s totals by 2028.
Final Thoughts: Purdy’s Era Dawns in the Bay
Brock Purdy embodies the 49ers’ next chapter—unassuming, unflappable, unstoppable when right. Third all-time feels within grasp; second demands destiny. I’ve watched enough QBs flame out to know: seize the now.
This climb tests resolve, but Purdy’s wired for it. Root for health, cheer the throws. The ladder’s short—grab it.
FAQs
How many seasons does Brock Purdy need to pass Jimmy Garoppolo on the 49ers all-time list?
Purdy could eclipse Garoppolo in as few as two full seasons if he maintains his pace of about 3,500 yards and 20 wins annually. Garoppolo’s six-year totals set a reachable bar, especially with Purdy’s superior completion percentage.
What playoff achievement would boost Purdy past John Brodie?
A single NFC Championship appearance would highlight Purdy’s edge in modern efficiency over Brodie’s volume stats. Brodie managed just one playoff win; Purdy’s already at four.
Can Brock Purdy win MVP in 2025?
Yes, analysts predict a strong case if he stays healthy and leads the 49ers to 12 wins. His Week 1 output and scheme fit make it plausible.
Why does Colin Kaepernick rank so high on the 49ers all-time quarterback list?
Kaepernick’s rushing prowess and Super Bowl run add dual-threat value Brodie lacked. His four playoff wins match Garoppolo’s, tipping the scales.
What’s the biggest hurdle for Purdy reaching Steve Young?
Injuries top the list, but a Super Bowl win remains essential. Young’s three MVPs and ring demand equivalent hardware.
Disclaimer: Original thoughts, initial drafts, and final editing were handled by the author; this is AI Assisted Content (AIAC) created with AI assistance and human oversight.
