Tom Brady potentially landing with the San Francisco 49ers has been a hot topic over the last couple of weeks, despite it originating from mostly speculation and rumors. Still, it seems like a good fit ... at least, for Brady. It's probably less of a fit for the 49ers.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky this week broke down the pros and cons of a Brady and 49ers pairing during a segment on Get Up. If nothing else, it shows how well-respected San Francisco is as a team after being a surprise participant in the Super Bowl.
Orlovsky admits that he doesn't know how realistic the possibility is of Brady actually landing with his favorite childhood team. Most might tell you that it doesn't seem very likely at all, but that's not going to stop analysts, like Orlovsky, from discussing the topic.
In discussing the pros, Orlovsky notes that the 49ers have a top-three play-caller in head coach Kyle Shanahan, who has found success with quarterbacks of varying styles. The 49ers also have a Rob-Gronkowski-like tight end in George Kittle, who would provide Brady with a reliable weapon.
"Kittle is a physical player that Tom Brady will have a great understanding of how to throw the football to because he is so representative of the way that Rob Gronkowski played," Orlovsky said. "And they would use him very similar to the way Tom is used to, as well."
Orlovsky then points out that the 49ers own an "outstanding defense," which takes the pressure off the 42-year-old Brady to score more points.
"And this would be one of the best defenses that Tom Brady has ever played (with)," Orlovsky noted. "As an aging quarterback, as a guy that wants to finish his career not carrying a football team, you don't have to go out there and think, 'Man, I've got to go score 30-to-35 points to go beat good football teams. This defense is so dominant, they will get the ball back to Tom Brady a bunch."
Then when it came time to list the cons of such a pairing, Orlovsky's list was empty. Of course, it is important to note that this list was created from Brady's perspective, and not necessarily from the standpoint of the 49ers. The obvious argument was made that should San Francisco fail to win a Super Bowl in the next year or two, and Brady retires, the team will be left in the predicament of once again trying to find a quarterback of the future.
General manager John Lynch has already made it clear that he feels 28-year-old Jimmy Garoppolo has not yet hit his ceiling. Brady's best days are likely behind him and is less likely to be playing three or four years from now.
Orlovsky's pros and cons also seem to suggest that it might be the 49ers carrying Brady, and not the opposite. If that is the case, some might wonder what the benefit is from San Francisco's perspective.
Breaking down the 49ers drafts under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan
By Marc Adams
Apr 20
We are less than one week away from the NFL Draft, and the San Francisco 49ers have their first day-one draft pick since 2021. That was the year they selected QB Trey Lance number three overall. The trade-up to get Lance cost the 49ers their first-round picks in 2022 and 2023. And now that they are back in the first round, at pick 31, fans are anxious to see what the team does with the pick. And with former assistant GM, Adam Peters, now in Washington, it will be interesting to see how well the 49ers draft without Peters in the room.
We looked back at the seven drafts GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have led to see what information we could pull from those drafts. There were plenty of hits, plenty of misses, and a few surprises along the way. The draft picks are
Why one analyst is worried for Brock Purdy if 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 18
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This accomplishment is noteworthy, considering the illustrious quarterbacks who have graced the organization's history.
A significant portion of those yards came from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who amassed a career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards. Most of his 75 catches originated from passes thrown by Purdy.
Amidst significant offseason chatter surrounding the 49ers' star receiver, including several unsubstantiated trade rumors, Aiyuk's future remains uncertain. Former NFL player James Jones, now an analyst, expressed concern for Purdy should Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area come to an end.
"I
49ers address both sides of the ball in Kiper and Yates 3-round mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
We're just 10 days away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. While many gain more confidence about their projections for the top of the first round, the picture of what might happen further down remains murky. Most predict the San Francisco 49ers will use their first selection, No. 31 overall, on an offensive lineman. However, an early run on the position may alter those plans. The 49ers may address another position, or they may have to move up to secure a top prospect.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates recently revealed a joint three-round mock draft, examining the top 100 selections and forecasting
Schrager mock draft has 49ers adding 'universally liked and respected' receiver
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
With only nine days remaining until the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager revealed his first mock draft of the year. While most might expect the San Francisco 49ers to target an offensive lineman, Schrager has the team bolstering its wide receiver corps with an SEC talent.
Schrager has the 49ers using the No. 31 overall pick to select former Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, whose 2023 campaign with the Bulldogs was limited by back and ankle injuries.
"McConkey in the first round? Yes," Schrager wrote. "Above guys like Troy Franklin and Keon Coleman? Perhaps. I've spoken to a
