The San Francisco 49ers are turning back the clock, bringing in veteran backup Nate Sudfeld after the duo of Carter Bradley and Kurtis Rourke underwhelmed in early camp and preseason action. Brock Purdy is cemented as the franchise quarterback, while former Patriots starter Mac Jones was brought in as the primary backup. This set up an interesting competition for the final spot on the depth chart, with neither option clearly grabbing the lead. Giving San Francisco the chance to reunite with a former backup.
Ahead of the 2021 season, Sudfeld was on the roster competing with Brock Purdy at the bottom of the roster. It is funny to remember just how little was thought of Purdy ahead of the pivotal season. The rookie was viewed as an afterthought and an unlikely backup option. Fast forward four years, and the franchise quarterback has become an unquestioned star. While the results aren't always perfect, San Francisco fans have every reason to defend the face of their franchise.
For Sudfeld, this is a surprise chance that was earned not only due to the depth options underwhelming but also a frustrating injury to Mac Jones. How long the quarterback will be out remains murky at best; it isn't the first frustrating injury update the 49ers have gotten this week.
Per source, the 49ers will be signing QB Nate Sudfeld, who had a tryout with them on Monday. Sudfeld, 31, spent the 2021 season in San Francisco and knows the offense.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 19, 2025
49ers Turn Back the Clock Bringing Back Veteran Backup Nate Sudfeld
Matt Burrows reported the signing, pointing out that the last time Sudfeld was on the roster, the quarterback was competing with Purdy for the third quarterback role. This is the same role that Sudfeld is now looking to win, while Purdy has become a franchise quarterback and was finally rewarded for his efforts in the 2025 offseason.
The veteran backup spent the last two years working with the Detroit Lions before reuniting with the 49ers. It is a clear advantage to bring back a player whom the locker room and coaching staff are already familiar with. San Francisco is a veteran team whose most important pieces haven't changed in recent seasons. This gives Sudfeld a clear advantage, even with only a week of training camp remaining.
San Francisco adding the backup does suggest some level of concern with the current options, as well as Jones injury. It isn't yet entirely clear what was the bigger factor in the move. Regardless, it seems the quarterback has a legitimate shot to return to the 49ers roster with a great chance of passing final cuts.