49ers 2024 Training Camp Preview: Who’s backing up Brock Purdy?

Jul 19, 2024, 8:37 AM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 04: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp at SAP Performance Facility on August 04, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The San Francisco 49ers enter 2024 training camp with the hunger of vengeance, looking to climb the mountaintop once more next season. But while the majority of their roster is a ready-made Super Bowl contender, some areas of weakness could be exploit on the biggest stages.

That isn’t the case at quarterback, with third-year breakout star Brock Purdy wrapping up his first full offseason as an NFL player.

The Iowa State alum set records with the Red & Gold last season, becoming the 49ers’ single-season passing leader in Year 2. SF’s 2023 offense reached enourmous heights, averaging almost 30 points a game for a majority of the season.

Of course, that wasn’t all Brock Purdy, standout weapons across the board delivered along the way. But the young gunslinger’s emergence has flipped the script in San Francisco, potentially giving them their first true franchise QB since Jeff Garcia.

But what happens if Purdy goes down with injury?

Given the 49ers’ track record in recent years, it’s probably wise to invest a little on the depth chart. And they have, bringing in savvy veterans that can stop-gap if need be.

Here’s how the 2024 49ers QB chart looks heading into next week.

Current Room:

Brock Purdy

Joshua Dobbs

Brandon Allen

Tanner Mordecai

Field General Purdy 🗣️

(via @FB_FilmAnalysis) pic.twitter.com/1zyALVwaoV

— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2024

Joshua Dobbs:

The extradionary journey of Josh Dobbs takes a stop in San Francisco, signing a one-year deal to backup Purdy. We think.

Despite his rollercoaster 2023 season, the Tennessee alum will have to compete for the No.2 role in 2024. SF’s third option a year ago (Brandon Allen) has a head start on Shanahan’s playbook. And so far, the summer has shown the former to be the better of the two gunslingers. Dobbs has looked more the player he ended as with the Vikings, than the player he was in Arizona.

However, Dobbs was signed for a reason.

The Passtronaut started more contests than Allen, and current Minnesota starter Sam Darnold, combined (12) in 2023. He finished the year with 2,464 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dobbs added six TDs on the ground as well.

Oh, and he did that across two franchises in one year!

Unless he underwhelms in 49ers training camp, it’s highly likely Dobbs backs up Brock Purdy on the depth chart in Week 1.

Joshua Dobbs linsanity run was special🤞 pic.twitter.com/5G6kLPPSrB

— Cam (@42Cyc) July 14, 2024

Brandon Allen:

The aforementioned third option of a year ago is back with backup on his mind.

While Allen didn’t play in any meaningful football minutes in 2023, he still spent a year with Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. A jumpstart on the playbook has shown during offseason workouts, looking the part of a worthy competitor for the backup role next season.

He’ll have to show it early and often in training camp though.

Prior to SF, the University of Arkansas alum has played in 15 games for both the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals over four seasons. He has accumulated 1,611 passing yards and 10 TDs in his career. Allen also has six INTs to his name.

#49ers new-look QB room

Brock Purdy
Brandon Allen
Joshua Dobbs pic.twitter.com/SA521nRtw3

— Kate Rooney (@TheKateRooney) May 21, 2024

Tanner Mordecai:

Undrafted NFL Rookie QB Tanner Mordecai will likely only be a training-camp body for the Red & Gold.

Or, he quickly out-performs expectations and rises up the depth chart, becoming the next Brock Purdy (joking, probably).

All scenarios aside, the Texas native was incredible proficient in college, tossing for almost 10,000 yards in six years. He also had 85 TDs and 27 INTs.

Even still, all signs point to the practice squad for the rookie after August. Unless he wants to test the waters of the UFL, where he was drafted by the D.C. Defenders this month.

Blast from my Waco past, former @MidwayPanthers QB Tanner Mordecai is here at OTAs with the #49ers. pic.twitter.com/QXd0NFpntL

— Matt Lively (@mattblively) May 21, 2024