San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh recently dropped a bombshell about quarterback Brock Purdy, shedding light on just how exceptional the young signal-caller truly is. Saleh, who has worked with a variety of quarterbacks over his nearly 15-year coaching career, made it clear that Purdy stands out as one of the best he’s ever coached since his days with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
Saleh’s journey through the NFL has seen him work with quarterbacks like Blake Bortles in Jacksonville, Jimmy Garoppolo during his first stint with the 49ers, and Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers (before his Achilles injury) with the New York Jets. None, according to Saleh, compare to the stability, humility, and sheer talent of Brock Purdy.
“I think highly of him,” Saleh said during a press conference on Wednesday. “I really do. He is really good. You get jaded sometimes when you’re looking at certain players for a certain amount of time. As a new face coming in and seeing Brock, I’m like, this son of a gun’s pretty good. Where I could see where you get so used to seeing it, it becomes a standard, and you’re always trying to elevate it. Not every head coach or organization can look at their quarterback and compare it to Brock. Brock is a damn good quarterback.”
Saleh’s praise didn’t stop there. While careful not to disparage other quarterbacks around the league, he emphasized that Purdy is “one of the better ones.” This is high praise coming from a coach who has seen his fair share of quarterback struggles over the years. His comments suggest that some may overlook Purdy’s brilliance because they’ve grown accustomed to his consistent performance, but Saleh sees him as a rare talent—potentially the best he’s worked with since Russell Wilson.
What Does This Mean for the 49ers?
Saleh’s glowing endorsement of Purdy carries significant weight within the 49ers organization. It’s no secret that Purdy has won over fans and teammates with his steady play and down-to-earth demeanor, but hearing such praise from a coach of Saleh’s caliber reinforces his value to the team. More intriguingly, Saleh’s comments hint at a potential future scenario: if head coach Kyle Shanahan were to step away—whether through retirement or other circumstances—Saleh, as a likely successor, would almost certainly keep Purdy as his quarterback.
This revelation underscores the confidence that Purdy inspires within the 49ers’ coaching staff. Despite being a late-round draft pick, Purdy has proven himself as a reliable and talented quarterback, capable of leading a talented roster to deep playoff runs. Saleh’s remarks suggest that Purdy isn’t just a stopgap or a system quarterback—he’s a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
A Stormy Revelation?
Saleh’s candid assessment of Purdy might stir some debate among fans and analysts. While Purdy has been praised for his efficiency and poise, some critics argue he needs to elevate his game to be considered among the NFL’s elite. Saleh, however, seems to dismiss this notion, implying that Purdy is already operating at a level that surpasses most quarterbacks in the league. His comparison to Russell Wilson, a Super Bowl champion and perennial Pro Bowler in his prime, is particularly striking.
For 49ers fans, Saleh’s words are a reason to celebrate. They confirm what many have suspected: Brock Purdy is not only the present but also the future of the franchise. With Saleh’s ringing endorsement, it’s clear that Purdy has the full support of the organization as they aim for a Super Bowl in the coming years.
As the 49ers continue their 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on Purdy to see if he can live up to the lofty praise from his defensive coordinator. If Saleh’s “stormy revelation” is any indication, the young quarterback is more than up to the challenge.