In fact, it was questionable if he would be prepared for the major event at all. Last season, Purdy was a third-string rookie quarterback who emerged as a lightning-in-a-bottle replacement for Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo due to injury. It was simple to picture Purdy, the final pick in the NFL draft of 2022, coming back to earth in 2023.

Sam Darnold had good cause to believe he would see some playing time with the 49ers this season when he inked a one-year, $4.5 million contract with them to begin his free agent career last March. For the opportunity, he even turned down more money elsewhere. However, Purdy ultimately built on his successful season last year and emerged as an MVP contender this year. Furthermore, Darnold didn’t begin a game.

On January 5, he was asked if he had second-guessed his choice to become a free agent.

His response was succinct: “No.” Not a single regret.

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Sam Darnold Gets Starting Nod in Week 18

With Purdy resting for the playoffs, Darnold will get a chance to showcase his skills in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. He will play the full game. With Purdy as the starting quarterback and his established status, it seems improbable that he will rejoin the 49ers in the upcoming season. Darnold desires to return as a starter. Darnold will use the remaining 49ers offence, which will spend a large portion of the season on the field, as an opportunity to try out for other clubs in 2024 free agency.

With the great weapons the 49ers possess, he stands a shot to start the following season if he can move the ball against a formidable Rams defence. He promised to apply everything he learned in San Francisco this year to the remainder of his professional life.

Darnold remarked, “I just think you continue to grow as a quarterback and as a person with experience.” “But, yeah, I feel like I’ve grown a lot this year with these coaches and players, so I’m just going to keep taking it day by day and game by game.”

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49ers’ Brock Purdy Appreciates Darnold’s Experience

Sam Darnold has undoubtedly experienced setbacks during his NFL career. After going undrafted for three seasons with the Jets in 2018, when he was selected with the third overall pick, he played for more than two years in Carolina. As a starting quarterback, he recorded a record of 21–34 for clubs that have since proven to be terrible.

Darnold’s quarterback rating during his career is 78.2. In the NFL, he has thrown 61 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. In the month prior to the start of the season, CBS Sports released a ranking of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, with Darnold coming in at number three.

Despite not playing much for the 49ers this season, his association with Shanahan and his support of Purdy have helped him rebuild his reputation. Although most people equated “Sam Darnold” with a “draft bust,” he is now more widely regarded as a “wise veteran” due to his affiliation with the 49ers.

This week, Purdy chanted his praises.

He has undoubtedly been in this league for a while—I believe he is currently in his sixth year—according to Purdy. Just the method, the schedule, the way he studies, the concepts he’s seeing, and the way he’s handled things in the past. He has been able to support me and pour into me in that way. Kind of reminds me of small details in plays during meetings.

“He simply does an amazing job with the small details in the plays, like, ‘Hey, this is where we’re going with this or that.'” He brings up these minor details that, to me as a quarterback, are very important.”