The San Francisco 49ers have wrapped up their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the 2025 NFL offseason, and while the spotlight has been on high-profile moves like Brock Purdy’s massive $265 million contract extension and the addition of new quarterbacks Mac Jones and Kurtis Rourke, a quieter storyline is emerging. One quarterback is reportedly on the chopping block, and the name might surprise fans and analysts across the league: Tanner Mordecai. This under-the-radar decision could send ripples through the NFL, as the 49ers’ quarterback room undergoes a dramatic reshaping. Let’s dive into why Mordecai is at risk, what this means for the 49ers, and why this move could shock the football world.
A Crowded Quarterback Room
The 49ers’ quarterback situation has undergone significant changes since the 2024 season. Brock Purdy, the team’s undisputed starter, secured a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension, cementing his role as the franchise’s cornerstone through 2030. To bolster their depth, San Francisco made two key additions in the offseason. They signed former Pro Bowl quarterback Mac Jones to a two-year, $8.41 million deal, bringing in a seasoned backup with starting experience. Additionally, the team used a 2025 seventh-round draft pick on Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, a promising rookie with high upside.
These moves have left Tanner Mordecai, a 25-year-old undrafted free agent who joined the 49ers after the 2024 NFL Draft, as the odd man out. According to a recent report from Golden Gate Sports, Mordecai’s lack of standout performances during OTAs has put his roster spot in serious jeopardy. “The fact that he hasn’t garnered many (if any) headlines suggests that he’ll need a monster performance throughout the rest of the offseason to save his job,” the report noted.
Mordecai’s Uphill Battle
Mordecai’s tenure with the 49ers has been an uphill climb from the start. After going undrafted out of Wisconsin, he was waived by the team last summer before being re-signed to the practice squad. His outlook was already uncertain, but the arrivals of Jones and Rourke have further diminished his chances of sticking around. While Jones has received praise for his OTA performances and Rourke has caught the attention of the front office, Mordecai has remained largely invisible.
Director of Player Personnel Tariq Ahmad spoke highly of Rourke’s potential, telling the San Francisco Chronicle, “I think (Rourke) plays on time and he sees the field very well. So he processes it, he sees it, and can get the ball out on time. And I think he’s very accurate.” Meanwhile, Mordecai’s lack of media coverage or coaching staff endorsements during OTAs paints a stark contrast. Without a significant turnaround in mandatory minicamp or training camp, his days in San Francisco appear numbered.
Why Mordecai’s Potential Exit Is Shocking
While Mordecai is not a household name, his potential release is surprising for several reasons. First, the 49ers took a chance on him as an undrafted free agent, suggesting they saw untapped potential in the former Wisconsin star. Mordecai’s college career was notable, with 7,152 passing yards and 72 touchdowns across stints at Oklahoma, SMU, and Wisconsin. His dual-threat ability and strong arm made him an intriguing developmental prospect.
Second, the 49ers have a history of nurturing quarterback talent under head coach Kyle Shanahan. From Brock Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, to past backups like Nick Mullens and Sam Darnold, Shanahan’s system has a reputation for maximizing quarterback potential. Mordecai seemed like a natural fit for this environment, yet his inability to seize the opportunity during OTAs has raised eyebrows.
Finally, cutting Mordecai would signal the 49ers’ confidence in their current quarterback trio of Purdy, Jones, and Rourke. While Purdy is entrenched as the starter, Jones’s experience and Rourke’s upside provide a safety net that Mordecai simply hasn’t matched. If the 49ers move on from him, it could open the door for another team to claim a quarterback with raw talent but little NFL experience—a move that could haunt San Francisco if Mordecai develops elsewhere.
The Bigger Picture: 49ers’ Roster Crunch
Mordecai’s potential departure is part of a broader roster crunch as the 49ers prepare for a critical 2025 season. After finishing last in the NFC West with a 6-11 record in 2024, the team is under pressure to rebound. Key offseason moves, including extensions for Purdy, linebacker Fred Warner, and tight end George Kittle, signal a commitment to their core players. However, the team also parted ways with several veterans, such as wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and faces injury concerns with players like Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall.
OTAs provided a glimpse into the team’s future, with newcomers like wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and rookie Jordan Watkins standing out. Meanwhile, established stars like Christian McCaffrey remain focal points as they work to regain form after injuries. In this competitive environment, players like Mordecai must make an immediate impact to secure a roster spot. His failure to do so has left him vulnerable as the 49ers prioritize depth and versatility.
What’s Next for Mordecai?
Unless Mordecai delivers a standout performance in the upcoming mandatory minicamp (June 10-11, 2025) or training camp, his time with the 49ers may be over. The Golden Gate Sports report warned, “Unless he steps up and turns his situation around soon, Mordecai might go from the 49ers’ chopping block to the unemployment line sooner rather than later.” If cut, Mordecai could attract interest from other teams looking for a developmental quarterback. His youth, athleticism, and college production make him a low-risk, high-reward option for a practice squad or backup role.
For the 49ers, moving on from Mordecai would streamline their quarterback room and allow them to focus on developing Rourke while leaning on Jones’s experience as Purdy’s primary backup. It’s a pragmatic decision, but one that carries the risk of letting a talented player slip through their fingers.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers are quietly preparing to make a surprising roster move by potentially dropping Tanner Mordecai after OTAs. While the young quarterback’s exit may not dominate headlines, it underscores the ruthless nature of NFL roster battles and the 49ers’ determination to build a championship-caliber team. As the team heads into mandatory minicamp, all eyes will be on Mordecai to see if he can defy the odds—or if his NFL journey takes an unexpected detour. This decision could ripple across the league, leaving fans and analysts wondering what might have been for the 49ers’ secret QB.