49ers depth chart: Analyzing the landscape at quarterback

49ers QB target: Tom Brady… still

Yes, I know we’re going to be sick of hearing about this link, but take your hand off that mouse because we need to talk about this situation like adults and look at this properly.

Tom Brady having one final season in the NFL with his boyhood team despite his recent retirement announcement (again)?

It’s a romantic idea, and the 49ers could certainly provide the team Brady needs for one more ring, but it doesn’t make sense for a few reasons even if we assume Brady’s second consecutive retirement announcement is fake.

First of all is the cap hit. Brady will not take a discount to sign with San Francisco, which means about $15 million to $30 million for the 49ers to find in their wallets to rent him for a year.

That money, it should be noted, has been earmarked for an extension for EDGE Nick Bosa, and while the salary cap is increasing, it would still be a tight fit even in a best-case scenario.

Also, while a situation would at least be plausible if Brock Purdy was out for the entire season, his slightly better prognosis has drastically changed this landscape. Unless the 49ers do find a good trade for Trey Lance, are they actually going to go with these three as a quarterback room?

It can’t be ruled out for certain, but unless Lance is wearing a different uniform in 2023, this isn’t happening to say the least.