49ers' Brock Purdy fails to crack ESPN's top QB list

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continues his annual position-by-position NFL rankings, and his latest release focuses on the league's top 10 quarterbacks. Many wondered whether San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy would make the cut. However, the 49ers signal-caller was notably absent from the rankings.

Purdy was at least an honorable mention last year, which isn't the case in 2025.

Fowler's rankings are based on feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, offering insight into how players are perceived across the league. Purdy's exclusion is significant and could further fuel ongoing skepticism surrounding his performance and ceiling. Critics continue to argue that he's more a product of head coach Kyle Shanahan's quarterback-friendly system and the elite talent surrounding him in San Francisco.

Despite the doubts, the 49ers demonstrated their belief in Purdy by signing him to a five-year, $265 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history and one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.

While Purdy threw for a single-season franchise record 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2023, his numbers dipped in 2024 amid a challenging year for the 49ers. He finished with 3,864 passing yards and 20 touchdowns as the team posted a 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

That step back only added fuel to the argument that Purdy isn't capable of carrying a team through adversity.

Through three NFL seasons, Purdy has totaled 9,518 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, boasting an impressive career passer rating of 104.9 through his 40 game appearances and 36 starts.

The upcoming 2025 season will be pivotal for Purdy as he looks to silence the doubters, justify his massive extension, and lead the 49ers back into playoff contention after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

The following are the 10 best NFL quarterbacks, according to ESPN's survey:

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
   
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
   
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
   
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
   
5. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
   
6. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
   
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
   
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
   
9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
   
10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers