The post, which quickly circulated among fans and analysts, slotted Purdy lower than many expected, continuing a trend of national rankings that have placed him outside the league's top tier. Bailey has Purdy ranked 18th on his list, lower than quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff, and C.J. Stroud.
Bailey ranked Purdy just ahead of Aaron Rodgers, Kyler Murray, and Bo Nix. He placed 49ers backup QB Mac Jones 24th on the list.
While the exact ordering of any QB list varies based on who you ask, Purdy's placement mirrors similar evaluations seen since taking over San Francisco's starting spot in 2022. In other rankings, Purdy is usually listed in the mid-to-lower range of starting quarterbacks, despite what he has accomplished in only four seasons.
These rankings come despite consistent efficiency metrics when Purdy has been on the field. During the 2025 season, he completed 69.4% of his passes for 2,167 yards and 20 touchdowns in just nine starts, posting a 100.5 passer rating while leading San Francisco to a 7–2 record in those games. And he did this despite playing part of the season without George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall. Purdy also didn't have the benefit of an effective run game, as in seasons past.
The lower ranking has fueled ongoing discussion about how Purdy is evaluated compared to other quarterbacks. Analysts have pointed to several factors influencing perception, including missed time due to injury, where he was drafted, and the surrounding talent in head coach Kyle Shanahan's system. Purdy missed eight games in 2025 with a turf toe injury, limiting his overall statistical volume despite strong per-game production.
League observers also note that Purdy's rise, from the final pick in the 2022 draft to a Pro Bowl quarterback and Super Bowl starter, has not fully translated into universal recognition among evaluators.
As offseason rankings continue to circulate ahead of the 2026 season, Purdy remains one of the more polarizing figures in quarterback evaluations—frequently productive on the field, yet often positioned outside the league's perceived elite tier.
Written By:
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
Marc Adams
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
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