In a stunning turn of events, former Iowa State Cyclones quarterback and current San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy has found himself at the center of a wild, hypothetical four-team NFL trade proposal. Despite signing a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension with the 49ers earlier this offseason, a deal that includes $182.5 million in guaranteed money, Purdy’s name has been floated in an audacious trade scenario crafted by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports. The proposed trade involves the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints, with Purdy being swapped for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, a second-round draft pick, and a third-round pick.
The Unthinkable Trade Proposal
The 49ers’ commitment to Purdy as their franchise quarterback seemed ironclad after the lucrative extension, which secures him with the team through 2030. However, Benjamin’s bold proposal suggests San Francisco could part ways with the 25-year-old quarterback in exchange for Cousins, a quarterback familiar to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan from their time together in Washington. Benjamin argues that while this swap might be a downgrade for the 2025 season, the additional draft picks could help the 49ers bolster their roster and infrastructure.
“[T]he 49ers just paid Purdy, which is completely understandable, but we know Kyle Shanahan has an affinity for his old pal Cousins, and we know Cousins is currently blowing in the wind, awaiting an opportunity as Atlanta’s No. 2,” Benjamin wrote.
The trade would see Cousins, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, return to San Francisco. Cousins was benched last season by the Falcons, raising questions about his current value compared to Purdy, who has quickly risen to prominence in the NFL.
Why This Trade Seems Far-Fetched
On paper, the idea of trading Purdy, who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023 and finished fourth in MVP voting that year, for Cousins and a couple of mid-round draft picks seems ludicrous. Purdy’s meteoric rise from the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft—famously dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant”—to a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offense has solidified his status as one of the league’s promising young quarterbacks. In contrast, Cousins, while experienced, is coming off a season where he lost his starting role in Atlanta.
The financial commitment to Purdy further complicates the feasibility of this trade. With $182.5 million in guaranteed money tied to the young quarterback, the 49ers would likely demand a far greater return than a second- and third-round pick. At minimum, a first-round draft choice would be required to even spark a conversation, and even then, San Francisco would likely reject the proposal outright.
Purdy’s Journey: From Iowa State to NFL Stardom
Brock Purdy’s journey to NFL stardom is nothing short of remarkable. During his four years at Iowa State from 2018 to 2021, Purdy led the Big 12 in passing yardage twice, showcasing his talent and poise as a collegiate quarterback. His selection as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the 49ers initially pegged him as a long-shot to make an impact. However, Purdy defied expectations, stepping into the starting role and leading San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season.
While Purdy’s 2024 campaign wasn’t as stellar as the previous year, his youth, potential, and proven ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset for the 49ers. At just 25 years old, Purdy has ample time to grow into the franchise quarterback role, a trajectory that makes Benjamin’s trade proposal all the more baffling.
The Verdict: A Fun Thought Experiment, but Highly Unlikely
While hypothetical trade scenarios like this one generate buzz and spark debate among NFL fans, the likelihood of the 49ers parting with Brock Purdy is slim to none. The team’s significant financial investment in him, coupled with his on-field success and potential for growth, makes this proposed four-team blockbuster a non-starter. For San Francisco, trading Purdy for an aging Kirk Cousins and a couple of draft picks would be a step backward, not forward.
As the NFL offseason continues to churn out wild ideas, this trade proposal will likely remain just that—a hypothetical thought experiment that underscores Purdy’s rising value in the league. For now, 49ers fans can rest easy knowing their franchise quarterback is locked in for the long haul, ready to lead the team into the 2025 season and beyond.