In The Athletic's latest 2025 rankings, Purdy remains in the second tier but slid two spots to No. 14 following a down statistical season and a disappointing 6-11 finish for the 49ers.
The top tier, led by perennial stars Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen last year, welcomed two additions this year—Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford.
RELATED
Tier two consists of nine quarterbacks, with Purdy ranking last among them. He received seven fewer votes from the 50 NFL coaches and executives surveyed, placing him behind quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Dak Prescott, Baker Mayfield, and Jared Goff.
"He does more on tape than I think a lot of guys can do in terms of the anticipation and accuracy," an opposing coach told Sando. "Yes, it faltered at times. I also got the sense he was playing through some things. But when he is healthy and on, I don't think there are a lot of guys who are at the level he is at."
Sando highlighted that Purdy leads the NFL in EPA (expected points added) per pass play over the past three seasons and ranked fifth in the category in 2024. Yet, as one NFL defensive coordinator noted, opponents tend to focus more on stopping the 49ers' dynamic playmakers than Purdy himself.
"When you play San Fran, you are thinking about [Christian] McCaffrey, you are thinking about [George] Kittle, you are thinking about [Brandon] Aiyuk," the coordinator explained. "You know Purdy will get it to them, but you are not necessarily thinking about Purdy. You are facing their defense, all these skill guys, Kyle Shanahan."
The coordinator added, "He's a facilitator for them."
Purdy is accustomed to being undervalued—at least when it comes to public perception.
"I've always felt this underdog kind of story," Purdy recently told Richard Sherman. "And that's been my story, from high school, college, to the NFL. But for me, every single year, all that matters is if I'm leading these guys in this locker room, in this building, in this organization, and they trust me here—that's all that matters."
While Purdy has his doubters, one NFL coach expressed frustration with the ongoing criticism surrounding the 49ers quarterback.
"Purdy doesn't get enough credit," the coach told Sando. "The draft is over, OK? The guy has played his ass off. Recognize that! He is not the last pick in the draft anymore. The guy is one win away from being a 1 for some people, if he won a Super Bowl."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Notebook: Shanahan not ruling Brandin Cooks out vs. Cardinals; Players need to step up amid injuries
We'll start this edition of the notebook with the San Francisco 49ers' defense, specifically the defensive line. The unit has endured several injuries early in the season, particularly along the interior. Projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins was lost for the... -
Kyle Shanahan opens up about 49ers' injury woes amid latest setback
The San Francisco 49ers have played only two games this season, and their injury list already reads like a roll call. The newest addition is star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who strained his calf while warming up ahead of Thursday's practice. This is nothing new for the 49ers,... -
49ers have reached out to Leonard Floyd amid defensive line injuries
Like the wide receiver room, the San Francisco 49ers' defensive line has taken a hit from injuries this season. The latest setback came Sunday when rookie defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. suffered an ankle injury. The 49ers fear Thompson suffered a high-ankle sprain, which... -
49ers reportedly signing edge rusher Matthew Judon amid D-line injuries
The San Francisco 49ers are signing veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon, who recently worked out with the team. Judon revealed the news during a conversation with Arabia Tillery of the ALL32 podcast, explaining his decision to join the 49ers. "With all of the injuries piling up...