49ers training camp loser No. 1: Quarterback Brock Purdy
If anything, all three of the 49ers quarterbacks have had issues in training camp, Trey Lance understandably receiving the bulk of attention when things have been rough.
True, backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld arguably has had a rougher go of things despite a solid start to camp. On the fourth day of camp practices, Sudfeld tossed three interceptions and marked his worst day under center while working with the second-string unit.
So, why isn’t Sudfeld a clear-cut loser here in danger of losing a roster spot?
Well, it’s pretty simple. He’s got a fully guaranteed $2 million contract for 2022. Sudfeld could toss 15 more interceptions between now and Week 1 and would still make the roster as Lance’s backup.
The bigger problem, at least in terms of quarterback cuts, is rookie signal-caller Brock Purdy hasn’t seized the opportunity to outperform Sudfeld.
Let me clarify: Despite #49ers backup QB Nate Sudfeld’s 3 INT day at training camp, I don’t envision a QB2 battle with Brock Purdy.
— Rohan Chakravarthi (@RohanChakrav) July 30, 2022
Sudfeld is currently the better QB overall and for this offense, and I don’t really think it’s close as of now.#49wz
The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, who also threw two interceptions in a practice session, hasn’t displayed any arm strength whatsoever that’d make him a viable alternative to Sudfeld. And in light of the latter’s contract numbers, Purdy would have to be running away in the backup competition by a long shot to merely earn consideration for the No. 2 job.
Instead, it’s looking like Purdy’s ceiling this year with the Niners will be nothing higher than landing on the practice squad, if he even makes that.