Can Brock Purdy live up to $265M deal amid 49ers' WR issues?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is already running out of targets heading into Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. 

On Wednesday, San Francisco general manager John Lynch confirmed wide receiver Jauan Jennings requested a trade. (The 28-year-old wideout is entering the final year of his contract.)

The GM has no plans to move the WR, but he's still unsure if he'll play in the season opener on Sept. 7. Jennings — who had a career-high 975 receiving yards in 15 games last season — has been battling a calf issue.

"A while ago [he requested a trade], but that was a long time ago, and we've moved on from that," Lynch told the media Wednesday. "Jauan is still working through his calf issue, making progress. Hopeful but not sure for Week 1." 

That's more bad news for the 49ers, whose WR room has been depleted by injuries and suspensions. Star wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee) isn't expected to return until Week 6. Wideout Demarcus Robinson, meanwhile, will miss the first three games of the season after violating the league's substance abuse policy.

The WR issues place more pressure on Purdy, who signed a five-year, $265M contract extension in May. That move showcased the 49ers' confidence in the 25-year-old QB, but will he reward them? 

Purdy hasn't shown he can thrive without an elite supporting cast. In 2023, he completed 69.4% of his passes for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in 16 games. He also led San Francisco to Super Bowl LVIII.

Last season, Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/knee) suffered injuries. Without his weapons, Purdy's numbers dipped. The former Iowa State Cyclone completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,864 yards, 20 TD passes and 12 interceptions in 15 games. The 49ers missed the playoffs. 

Purdy has admitted that last season was disappointing. However, it taught him not to force the issue offensively even when his stars aren't in the lineup.

Perhaps simplifying things will help Purdy, who must overcome the early WR issues to prove he's worth $265M.