The San Francisco 49ers are expected to work on a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy this offseason. Inside the team's Santa Clara facilities, there's no doubt that Purdy is the franchise quarterback they've been seeking for years. Since being selected as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has helped guide the 49ers to two NFC Championships and a Super Bowl appearance.
However, the 2024 season didn't go as planned. Injuries ravaged the 49ers' roster, and Purdy's production took a hit. Despite the team's disappointing 6-11 campaign, tight end George Kittle saw significant growth in the young quarterback, especially in developing into a vocal offensive leader.
"He was very vocal on the field," Kittle said during an appearance on Pro Football Talk Live with Mike Florio and Chris Simms in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX. "He's [25] years old ... but he got the reins when he was 22 years old. And for him to be vocal on the field now—because, usually, when you see a wide receiver miss his landmark or goes too far downfield, [head coach] Kyle Shanahan's the one yelling at him. The wide receiver coach is the one yelling at him.
"Now, it's Brock, and he does that during the game. It's not in a disrespectful way. It's like, 'Hey, man, you're screwing me. So you need to figure it out so I can get you the ball and the timing of the play,' because that's Coach Shanahan's offense. It's all timing."
Kittle emphasized how Purdy has taken ownership of the offense, addressing issues with his playmakers on the spot to keep everyone on the same page.
"And I really appreciate that about Brock," Kittle continued. "And it's not in a disrespectful way, but it's coming from like a, I need you to be on your stuff so we can win football games. ... You need [that] coming from your quarterback.
"I can only say so much. I'm a tight end. And while I am a hoorah guy, I try to do my best to get the guys going and stuff, when your own quarterback's yelling at you, it kind of makes a switch flip in your head, so I respect that."