The San Francisco 49ers answered any long-term concerns at the quarterback position this past offseason. Brock Purdy has been given a top-dollar extension, offering stability to the future and an answer as to whether or not the franchise had full confidence in the starter.
San Francisco took this a step further, bringing in former Patriots starter Mac Jones to back up Purdy. It was a great move that gives you a bit of hope of winning games even if Purdy misses time. If there is anyone capable of unlocking the potential of Jones, it is the 49ers' coaching staff.
With this in mind, the two remaining quarterbacks on the San Francisco roster are competing for the same spot. The third emergency quarterback role comes down to either Tanner Mordecai or Kurtis Rourke. It is an underwhelming competition considering how elite Purdy has been and what an established backup Jones is. Both players were added in the past two seasons as afterthought depth options. However, Rourke sets himself apart in the fact that he hasn't spent as much time with the organization and was brought in as a draft pick.
The San Francisco 49ers Expected to Cut Quarterback Tanner Mordecai
Rourke was drafted in the final round in an attempt to find an answer to the final quarterback spot. San Francisco, more than any franchise in the last decade, understands the importance of depth at the position. So often, the team's starter has been taken out and forcing the franchise to pivot in another direction. The entire reason rosters can now carry a third quarterback on game day without it counting for a roster spot is due to these injuries.
In a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers were forced to use Christian McCaffrey as a quarterback due to having no other healthy options. With this in mind, the 49ers understand the importance of this position and are likely going to move forward with Rourke as the third option behind Jones.
This leaves Mordecai as the odd man out, forced to accept a practice squad role or return to free agency. No matter the answer, it is clear that the quarterback is on borrowed time when it comes to being a part of San Francisco's roster.