March 25, 2025
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49ers-Steelers trade proposal lands Brock Purdy in Pittsburgh instead of……

49ers-Steelers Trade Proposal: Could Brock Purdy Land in Pittsburgh?

The NFL offseason is always ripe with speculation, and one of the most intriguing trade proposals floating around involves the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This hypothetical deal would see Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ starting quarterback, traded to the Steelers in a move that could shake up both teams’ futures.

Why Would the 49ers Trade Brock Purdy?

Brock Purdy has been a revelation for San Francisco, leading the team deep into the playoffs and solidifying himself as a franchise quarterback. However, the NFL is unpredictable, and even established starters can be moved if the right offer comes along.

There are a few reasons why the 49ers might entertain trading Purdy:

  1. Salary Cap Considerations – Purdy is still on his rookie contract, making him one of the best bargains in the NFL. However, with a contract extension looming in the next few years, the 49ers may consider moving him before they have to commit to a massive long-term deal.

  2. Trey Lance’s Future – The 49ers originally drafted Trey Lance with the intention of making him their franchise quarterback. If the organization still believes in his upside, they could trade Purdy and hand the reins back to Lance.

  3. Stockpiling Draft Capital – If the Steelers were willing to offer significant draft assets, the 49ers could use those picks to build an even stronger roster around a different quarterback.

  4. Kirk Cousins Connection – Head coach Kyle Shanahan has long been linked to Kirk Cousins, who becomes a free agent in 2025. If the 49ers believe they can land Cousins in free agency, they might view Purdy as expendable.

Why Would the Steelers Want Brock Purdy?

Pittsburgh has been searching for a long-term answer at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Kenny Pickett has shown flashes of potential but has yet to solidify himself as a franchise quarterback. Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky haven’t proven to be long-term solutions either.

Acquiring Purdy would give the Steelers a proven winner who thrives in a structured offense. Pittsburgh’s strong defense and run game could complement his style, much like how the 49ers built their team around him.

Potential Trade Package

If a deal were to happen, the Steelers would need to offer significant compensation. A potential trade package could include:

  • Steelers receive: QB Brock Purdy

  • 49ers receive: A 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and possibly a young player like WR George Pickens or CB Joey Porter Jr.

This would allow the 49ers to reload at key positions while giving the Steelers an immediate upgrade at quarterback.

Would the 49ers Actually Make This Move?

While this proposal is intriguing, the reality is that San Francisco is unlikely to trade Purdy unless they have a guaranteed replacement. His leadership, accuracy, and efficiency make him an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s system. Unless an elite veteran like Kirk Cousins or a high-upside young quarterback is available, the 49ers will probably hold onto Purdy.

Conclusion

The idea of Brock Purdy landing in Pittsburgh is fascinating, but it remains purely speculative. The Steelers would benefit greatly from adding a proven quarterback, but the 49ers are unlikely to move on from their most consistent starter in years. However, in the NFL, anything is possible—especially when draft picks and franchise-altering decisions are on the table.