Offseason In Review: Cleveland Browns
After their historic and controversial acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson the Browns resided at the center of attention for much of 2022. A lengthy process of investigation by the NFL left Watson sidelined for 11 games, fueling in large part an underwhelming campaign for Cleveland both before and after his return. The Browns finished in the AFC North basement at 7-10, making this offseason a crucial one for the direction of the franchise.
Beginning the process of dealing with Watson’s fully guaranteed deal and its cap implications, general manager Andrew Berry made a number of changes on defense in particular, retooling a unit which will be guided by a new, highly regarded coordinator. The new faces on the field and the sidelines should help Cleveland in Watson’s first full season at the helm, but the largest determining factor in their success (by a wide margin) will nevertheless be his ability to regain his previous form.
Trades:
- Acquired WR Elijah Moore and 2023 third-round pick from Jets for 2023 second-rounder
- Added DE Za’Darius Smith and 2025 sixth, seventh-round picks from Vikings for 2024, 2025 fifth-rounders
Moore’s time with the Jets seemed to be coming to an end long before their offseason alterations began. The 23-year-old requested a trade ahead of the 2022 deadline, and New York set about reconfiguring its skill-position corps with 
players familiar to Aaron Rodgers before pulling off the blockbuster trade for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. With the likes of Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb having been signed, there was mutual benefit to Moore being dealt elsewhere for a fresh start.
The Browns enjoyed a highly productive debut season from Amari Cooper (78 catches, 1,160 yards, nine touchdowns), but they entered the offseason in search of further firepower in the passing game. That led to interest in Jerry Jeudy, but Cleveland – like all other suitors – was unwilling to meet Denver’s asking price for the former first-rounder. Moore should represent a strong consolation prize if he is able to reach his potential in his new home.
The Ole Miss product flashed as a rookie, posting 538 yards and five touchdowns. He took a step backwards last season, though, so a fresh start should be beneficial beyond the promise of continued usage as a starter. Moore has the ability to play on the outside, but he will likely be most effective in the slot while Cooper and the emerging Donovan Peoples-Jones operate on the outside.
Smith’s path to the Vikings last offseason included an apparent deal being struck which would have returned him to Baltimore. The former Ravens fifth-rounder instead signed with Minnesota after three years as a Packer, the last of which saw him miss all but one game. A return to health helped bring about a return to his productive form in 2022; Smith posted 10 sacks while eclipsing the double-digit mark in that regard for the third time. Due to the language in his contract, Smith remained on the field despite being less than 100% late in the year in particular, however, something he elaborated on following the trade.
The three-time Pro Bowler was part of a veteran exodus in Minnesota this offseason, and questions will be raised about the Vikings’ ability to replace Smith’s production. Cleveland should provide plenty of opportunities for the 30-year-old to boost his market ahead of free agency, using him opposite Myles Garrett but also on the inside at times. Smith’s return to the AFC North could prove to be a key stepping stone in a succesful Browns season, particularly if he can avoid the drop-off in production which occurred toward the end of 2022. Cleveland’s pursuit of Melvin Ingram prior to the Smith trade illustrates the team’s emphasis placed on improvements on the edge, something the latter should provide compared to last season.
Free agency additions:
- Dalvin Tomlinson, DT: Four years, $57MM ($27.5MM guaranteed)
- Juan Thornhill, S: Three years, $21MM ($14MM guaranteed)
- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE: Three years, $19MM ($12.29MM guaranteed)
- Shelby Harris, DT: One year, $3.5MM ($2MM guaranteed)
- Josh Dobbs, QB: One year, $2MM ($2MM guaranteed)
- Jordan Akins, TE: Two years, $2.9MM ($1.73MM guaranteed)
- Mike Ford, CB: One year, $1.5MM ($975K guaranteed)
- Rodney McLeod, S: One year, $1.31MM ($853K guaranteed)
- Marquise Goodwin, WR: One year, $1.7MM ($400K guaranteed)
- Matthew Adams, LB: One year, $1.32MM ($300K guaranteed)
- Trysten Hill, DT: One year, $1.32MM ($300K guaranteed)
- Maurice Hurst, DL: One year, $1.32MM
- Colby Gossett, G: One year, $1.08MM
- Wes Martin, G: One year, $1.08MM
- Jordan Wilkins, RB: One year, $1.08MM
- Michael Dunn, OL: One year, $1.01MM
- Joseph Charlton, P: One year, $940K
- Nate Meadors, S: One year, $870K
- Chris Westry, CB: One year. $870K
Upgrading the defensive front stood as a clear priority entering the offseason for Cleveland, and the Tomlinson
acquisition will go a long way in determining if that goal is achieved. Another of the Vikings’ regulars who departed Minnesota in 2023, Tomlinson established himself as one of the best available options at the DT spot in this year’s free agent class. Tomlinson, 29, will join the Browns with plenty of pedigree as a run-stopper, but also as a player capable of making an impact in the passing game. His 81 stops and five sacks as a Viking led to a desire on his former team’s part to work out a new deal, but instead he will start anew for the second time in his career.
The former second-rounder was not the only Browns target at the position, though. A deal with Dre’Mont Jones (which would have represented a homecoming) was on the radar before the Tomlinson agreement was worked out. Jones, better known for his pass-rushing skillset, took a more lucrative Seahawks contract – in terms of AAV – compared to the one Tomlinson landed. The latter will nevertheless be counted on to anchor a new-look D-line as the Browns aim to improve a unit which ranked 25th against the run last season.
2023 saw plenty of movement at the safety spot, and it came as no surprise that Thornhill made his way out of Kansas City. The Chiefs signed Justin Reid to help replace Tyrann Mathieu last offseason, and the selection of Bryan Cook in the 2022 second round gave the defending champions an in-house Thornhill replacement. The 27-year-old received more value in terms of annual compensation on his Cleveland pact than all but Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates amongst free agent safeties; only the latter earned more guaranteed money.
That fact lends credence to the belief some held before the onset of free agency that Thornhill was the second-best safety available. The Virginia product posted career-high marks in tackles (71) and pass deflections (nine) last season while winning a second title. That will raise expectations for him in Cleveland, but Thornhill should help form an effective tandem alongside Grant Delpit. Given the addition of another veteran in McLeod, though, a healthy usage of three-safety alignments would not come as a surprise.
Well before the Smith acquisition, Okoronkwo was in place. In an offseason in which several decorated (but aging) edge rushers were available, the latter represented one of the more high-upside options on the market. A one-year stint in Houston saw him receive a major boost in playing time compared to his Rams seasons. Okoronkwo, 28, took advantage with a career-best five sacks and 17 pressures. Plenty of snaps – and, with Garrett on the opposite edge, desirable one-on-one matchups – will await him in Cleveland. If he lives up to his deal, the former fifth-rounder should help reverse the drop in sack totals (from 49 to 34) the Browns experienced last season compared to 2021, even if Smith ultimately proves to be a one-year rental.
Despite the commitment made to Tomlinson, the Browns remained active in seeking D-line help with the Harris deal. The fact it is worth up to $5.25MM shows the team’s awareness of how effective the former Broncos and Seahawks starter can be. While the Seahawks opted to retool and jettison Harris’ Broncos-constructed contract, Pro Football Focus did grade him as a top-20 interior D-lineman last season. But the veteran lingered on the market for five months, not indicating too much interest in the defender included in the Russell Wilson trade.
Dobbs spent much of 2022 in Cleveland, despite not seeing any game action. He served as Jacoby Brissett’s backup during Watson’s suspension, and the former’s departure leaves the QB2 spot open. For now, Dobbs – who started twice at the end of the season for the Titans – is in line to serve in that role. Cleveland is expected carry rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the 53-man roster, however, so a return to third-string duties may be on the horizon.
Re-signings:
- Ethan Pocic, C: Three years, $18MM ($10MM guaranteed)
- Sione Takitaki, LB: One year, $2.58MM ($1.23MM guaranteed)
- Anthony Walker, LB: One year, $1.23MM ($653K guaranteed)
- Jordan Kunaszyk, LB: One year, $1.23MM ($500K guaranteed)
The center spot became the source of plenty of questions heading into 2022. The release (and eventual retirement) of J.C. Tretter opened the door to Nick Harris assuming the starting role. A season-ending knee injury sustained during the preseason instead thrust Pocic into first-team duties, and he thrived under those conditions. The former Seahawk was meant to be a high-end backup despite having logged 40 starts in Seattle, but he delivered a career-best performance in his debut Browns season. After the 28-year-old expressed a desire to remain in Cleveland, his multi-year agreement came as no surprise.
Strength along the interior offensive line has been a constant in recent years for the Browns, owing in large part to the guard tandem of Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio. Pocic earned the third-highest PFF grades amongst centers in 2022 when playing between them, and Cleveland is banking on a repeat of that success moving forward. If their investment proves worthwhile, the Browns will have a strong Tretter successor in the fold. If needed, though, Harris will still be available in 2023, the final year of his rookie contract.
Broncos Eyeing K Wil Lutz?
Having moved on from Brandon McManus earlier this offseason, the Broncos will have a new kicker this season for the first time since 2014. The team’s search for his replacement is ongoing, but it could lead them to another familiar face for head coach Sean Payton. 
The Saints are currently in the midst of a kicking competition between veteran Wil Lutz and undrafted rookie Blake Grupe. Presuming New Orleans follows standard practice and only keeps one kicker on the team’s final 53-man roster, the loser of that battle could become a trade chip for teams eyeing an upgrade in the kicking game. In the event Grupe wins out and Lutz finds himself on the trade market, the Broncos could be a team to watch, writes NBC Sports’ Peter King.
After waiving Elliott Fry, Denver currently has only one healthy kicker at the moment: Brett Maher. The 33-year-old enjoyed a successful regular season with the Cowboys last year, missing only three field goal attempts and as many extra points. Mahers’ disastrous playoff outings led to Dallas’ decision to move on, however, and leaves him far from assured of a roster spot in the Mile High City.
Lutz, 29, joined the Ravens as a UDFA in 2016, and his performance that summer led to his deal with the Saints. The Georgia State product has held down the team’s kicking duties since then, with the exception of 2021. A groin injury left him sidelined for the entire campaign that year, but he returned last season and played all 17 games. Lutz made all 33 of his extra point attempts, but his 74.2% success rate on field goals was by far the worst of his career. That has left him in a battle for his position deep into August against Grupe, who spent one season at Notre Dame after four at Arkansas State.
NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan and Troy Renck of Denver7 each confirm that the Broncos are watching the K market as roster cuts approach (Twitter links). Acquiring Lutz in particular would add another former Payton contributor from his lengthy stint as the Saints’ head coach, something Denver has done plenty of already this offseason. A number of veteran free agents are available as well, including Robbie Gould, Mason Crosby and Ryan Succop. For now, the Broncos’ decisions at the position could depend in large part on how the Saints handle the Lutz-Grupe competition.
Bills To Sign RB Ty Johnson
The Bills are thin at offensive tackle at the moment, but they are still tinkering with other areas of their roster. That will include a depth addition to their backfield.
Buffalo is set to sign running back Ty Johnson, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (Twitter link). The deal will allow Johnson to remain in the AFC East after his tenure with the Jets came to an unexpected end. The 25-year-old initially re-signed with New York on a one-year deal this offseason, but he was later released due to a torn pectoral muscle. The subsequent addition of Dalvin Cook took away the chance of any potential reunion with the Jets for Johnson.
Fowler notes that the latter has healed in full, setting the stage for a workout earlier today which yielded an agreement. Johnson will now have the chance to carve out a role as a third down specialist given his pass-catching skills. The former sixth-rounder totaled 559 yards and three touchdowns on 62 receptions during his time in the Big Apple, contributing on special teams as well.
Johnson should be able to step into the role Nyheim Hines was set to occupy before his ACL tear. That injury appeared to leave 2022 second-rounder James Cook, free agent signing Damien Harris and post-draft addition Latavius Murray comfortably positioned to make Buffalo’s 53-man roster. The latter may now once again find himself on the bubble with Johnson in the fold.
Much of Buffalo’s success in the ground game will come from Cook’s ability to handle a much heavier workload than the one he received as a rookie. Depth contributions will be welcomed on a Bills team looking to find better offensive balance and limit the hits quarterback Josh Allen takes as well, though, and Johnson should prove to be a useful addition in that regard if he can duplicate his Jets form.
49ers, WR Anthony Miller Agree To Deal
The 49ers are shorthanded at the moment with respect to their depth receivers, and an addition is being made as a result. Anthony Miller has agreed to a deal in San Francisco, reports Jordan Schultz of the Score (Twitter link). 
Miller flashed potential during his three seasons with the Bears, particularly in 2019. That year, he posted 52 catches for 656 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he found himself being dealt to Houston ahead of the 2021 campaign. The former second-rounder soon found himself in Pittsburgh, where he made a single appearance.
A shoulder injury left Miller sidelined for the entire 2022 season, and the Steelers released him this past June. To no surprise, the former second-rounder has found himself on the open market since then as teams have looked elsewhere for complimentary pass-catching options. San Francisco’s WR depth chart is headlined by Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but a depth spot could be available for Miller at least to start the regular season.
2022 third-rounder Danny Gray is dealing with a right SC joint sprain in his shoulder, head coach Kyle Shanahan said on the weekend (Twitter link via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). A firm timetable for Gray’s return is not in place, but he is likely to miss time at the start of the year. He made only a single catch as a rookie despite playing 10 games, and the presence of Samuel, Ayiuk, Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud and Ronnie Bell could leave Gray with a difficult path to signficant playing time upon his return.
It could also make it difficult for Miller, 28, to carve out a role presuming he survives final roster cuts next week. This deal will nevertheless allow him another chance to find a permanent home in the NFL, and prove that he has recovered in full from last year’s injury.
RB Josh Jacobs Expected To Report To Raiders By Week 1
The Josh Jacobs situation has gone quiet since he began his training camp holdout. A return to the Raiders could be coming soon for the franchise-tagged running back, however.
[RELATED: Chiefs, Broncos Eyeing Jacobs?]
Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Jacobs is expected to report to the team ahead of their regular season opener. Three weeks remain until Week 1, and Bonsignore adds it remains unclear at this point when exactly Jacobs could be back in the fold. He has yet to sign his $10.1MM tag, but failing to take part in regular season action would result in $561K in weekly missed game checks.
Few firm details have emerged regarding how close the Raiders came to working out a multi-year deal with last year’s rushing champion. An offer worth roughly $12MM per year was reportedly made and rejected, leaving Jacobs in the same situation as the other tagged running backs (Tony Pollard and Saquon Barkley) with respect to having an uncertain long-term future.
Pollard signed his tag, however, and Barkley avoided a holdout with a revised one-year deal involving $900K in incentives. Vegas is believed to be open to talks on a similar compromise, but without Jacobs present it is unlikely much dialogue has taken place in that regard. Assuming he does return with some time remaining before Week 1, head coach Josh McDaniels would welcome the opportunity for him to receive at least some training camp reps.
“I think that it’s important for every player,” McDaniels said. “This is the National Football League, so it’s not easy to go out there and just play games and do it at the speed and level that you want to do it at, unless you’ve really kind of had enough opportunity to get yourself ready to do that.”
After leading the league in scrimmage yards in 2022 and operating as the focal point of the Raiders’ offense, Jacobs should be expected to fairly comfortably pick up where he left off if and when he does return. If that does not turn out to be the case, though, a largely inexperienced contingent of depth backs – led by 2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White – would be leaned on in the Raiders’ regular season opener against the Broncos. For now, signs could be pointing to such a scenario not being necessary.
LB Brandon Copeland Retires
After one decade in the NFL, Brandon Copeland is bringing his playing career to an end. The linebacker confirmed his retirement on Monday, via ESPN’s Mike Rothstein. 
Copeland began his career by signing with his hometown Ravens as a UDFA in 2013. It was not until two years later that he made his first regular season appearances, though. He played two campaigns in Detroit before the two-year Jets stint during which he logged 13 of his 21 career starts.
The 32-year-old was used on the edge in 2018, and he found success in that role. Copeland totaled five sacks and 14 quarterback hits, though he was unable to parlay that into a long-term deal from New York or any other team. He bounced around the league after the end of his Jets tenure, including stops in New England, Atlanta and a return to Baltimore this past season. The Penn alum played three games early in the year while being elevated from the Ravens’ practice squad.
“It’s time,” Copeland said when asked about his decision to hang up his cleats. “One of the pieces of advice I got from my granddad, going into my rookie year in the NFL, we sat down and did an interview and somebody said – because he was a Baltimore Colt and I was a Baltimore Raven – they asked what advice would you give to your grandson as he enters the NFL?
“And he said, ‘If I could tell him anything, if I could do anything different, it would be don’t play as long.'”
As was also the case for Copeland’s grandfather, Roy Hinton, he managed to remain in the NFL for 10 years, although his games played total (85) is much lower in large part due to the fact he missed the entire 2017 campaign. Copeland dealt with a number of injuries over the course of his career, and underwent three knee surgeries. Rather than trying to find a roster or practice squad opportunity at the start of another new season, he will turn his attention to his post-playing days.
As Rothstein notes, Copeland has already been busy in off-the-field matters even during his career. That includes teaching a financial literacy course at Penn each year since 2019. He will depart the NFL with just over $6.7MM in career earnings.
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Addresses Zack Martin Raise
The Cowboys dealt with a growing training camp issue by reworking guard Zack Martin‘s contract. As a result, the six-time All-Pro will see $36.85MM in fully guaranteed money over the final two years of his deal. 
Owner Jerry Jones made a number of public remarks which suggested the Cowboys were not particularly interested in renegotiating Martin’s pact, one which originally set the market for guards but had been overtaken in recent years by other mega-contracts at the position. A lengthy (and expensive) holdout by the 32-year-old came to an end shortly after face-to-face conversations with Jones produced an agreement on a raise.
As Jones indicated recently, the extra money given to Martin alters the spending power the team has when it comes time to negotiate new deals for other internal priorities. A number of players in that category – including, most notably, cornerback Trevon Diggs – have already inked an extension this offseason, but plenty more work remains in that regard. The likes of quarterback Dak Prescott, edge rusher Micah Parsons and wideout CeeDee Lamb will all be eligible for either a restructured pact or an extension next offseason.
“It’s going to be more difficult” Jones said, when asked about the effects of the Martin deal as it pertains to future financial commitments. “We have less money but that’s OK; we made [do with what] we don’t have. We put it to good use. It’s going to the right man” (h/t the Dallas News’ Calvin Watkins).
Martin will be counted on to remain amongst the league’s top O-linemen with his new deal in hand, especially given the cap spike (up to $28.5MM) it calls for in 2024. Lowering Prescott’s cap figure for that year – currently set at just under $59.5MM – and getting Parsons and Lamb on the books for the long-term future will be high on the team’s to-do list. In spite of the slightly increased challenge presented by the Martin agreement (and his own remarks foreshadowing it), Jones remains pleased with the Cowboys’ current financial situation.
“That is the point and that’s what I expressed,” he added. “The facts are, if somebody was going to get it, he’s the right kind [of player at] the right time, obviously he’s the right kind. It’s the right way to do it. I’m satisfied and I’m comfortable with it.”
Bears Conducting Backup Quarterback Competition?
The top spot on the Bears’ quarterback depth chart, as confirmed by their handling of the 2023 offseason, belongs to Justin Fields. Despite the identity of his backup appearing clear before training camp and the preseason began, that may not be the case. 
Chicago inked P.J. Walker to a two-year deal including $2MM guaranteed in free agency. That move seemed to place the 28-year-old in prime position to secure the QB2 role behind Fields, but camp practices and exhibition contests have not seen Walker perform well enough to cement his status with the team. That has opened the door to a competition for the job.
“I would just say everything is open right now, and it’s not just that position, it’s every position,” head coach Matt Eberflus said when asked about Walker and the quarterback spot. “If the guy is in a competition, everybody can look at the roster and see who’s in a competition. Those are all going to be open. I think if you close your mind off to that, you might be missing on something” (Twitter links via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune).
While Walker has underperformed so far during the summer, undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent has drawn attention for his play when given an opportunity. The latter completed nine of 10 passes for 76 scoreless passing yards during last night’s preseason game against the Colts, adding a rushing touchdown. That could point to a degree of upside compared to Walker, who started seven games in Carolina (including five in 2022) and struggled to put up noteworthy numbers across his three-year Panthers tenure.
Nathan Peterman is also in the fold for the Bears, meaning he could be a QB2 candidate depending on how the remainder of August plays out. Chicago made a low-cost investment in Peterman for the second straight year this offseason, after the former Bills draftee made three appearances and one start in 2022. The Bears’ final preseason contest will no doubt go a long way in determining the final pecking order under center. As things currently stand, though, Walker’s grip on the backup spot does not appear to be a firm one.
Latest On Buccaneers’ QB Competition
AUGUST 20: It appears that this competition will indeed come down to the final preseason game. Mayfield did not dress for the Bucs’ second preseason contest last night, a victory over the Jets, and ESPN’s Jenna Laine understandably took that to mean that Mayfield was on the verge of being named the Week 1 starter (Twitter link). However, head coach Todd Bowles revealed after his club’s 13-6 victory that he expects both Mayfield and Trask to play in Tampa Bay’s preseason finale against the Ravens next week (Twitter link via Greg Auman of FOX Sports).
The third quarterback on the depth chart, John Wolford, suffered a neck injury during the second half of the Jets game and was carted off the field, as Laine detailed. Fortunately, Wolford has feeling in his extermities, and Bowles indicated that all will be well with the former Rams signal-caller.
Further underscoring the as-yet-unsettled status of the club’s QB1 comeptition, Bowles said that he was prepared to send Mayfield into the game in relief of Wolford. Bowles only called upon Trask because he was already warmed up after having played the entire first half (Twitter link via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times).
AUGUST 16: With Anthony Richardson having won the starting job for the Colts, the quarterback competition in Tampa Bay is the lone remaining one around the league where the winner cannot at least be comfortably assumed. Plenty is yet to be determined regarding where Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask emerge in the pecking order. 
At the onset of training camp, the Buccaneers split first-team reps between the pair, something which came as little surprise. Mayfield came to Tampa Bay on a one-year, $4MM deal looking to avoid the disastrous end to his Panthers tenure from last season. The former No. 1 pick faces serious questions about his ability to retain a starting role in the NFL, and this Buccaneers opportunity may be his last if it does not go well. Trask, meanwhile, entered the league with relatively high expectations as a second-round pick, but he has yet to receive a starting opportunity.
Mayfield has long been considered the favorite to win the Week 1 starting gig, but his tenure in that role may not be permanent if things remain close between he and Trask. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports that Tampa is willing to quickly install Trask as the No. 1 in the event Mayfield is tapped as the starter early but struggles to begin the season.
A final decision has not yet been made, and that will likely remain the case until after the team’s three preseason contests have been played. Mayfield outperformed Trask in the Buccaneers’ Friday loss to the Steelers, but Pauline notes the latter’s arm strength and his general lack of turnovers in camp could give him the edge to win the Week 1 start. The Florida product has expressed confidence about his readiness for the role despite having just nine regular season attempts to his name.
Regardless of who wins the job, Tampa Bay will be shorthanded in the receiving corps with Russell Gage out for the season. Fellow wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will be leaned on heavily by whomever starts the campaign under center, but it remains to be seen who that will be and how long of a leash they will be given.
Latest On 49ers QB Brock Purdy
With Brock Purdy well into his recovery from UCL surgery, optimism is high that the 49ers will have their preferred starting quarterback in Week 1. Further progress in his rehab schedule was recently made. 
[RELATED: 49ers Planned To Sign Philip Rivers For Super Bowl]
When Purdy was initially cleared to participate in team drills, he was understandably put on a pitch count. Last year’s ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ took rest days between practices as his throwing arm returned to full strength. That restriction was lifted this past week, as head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated (via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com).
Purdy has long been expected to be available for the start of the season, and being an everyday participant in training camp practices is another sign that he will be in place for Week 1. The 23-year-old has also repeatedly received praise from Shanahan and the rest of the coaching staff for his level of play filling in for both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo late in the 2022 campaign and through the postseason. Purdy’s place at the top of the team’s new quarterback depth chart has not changed.
“He’s been [the starter] since last year ended,” Shanahan confirmed, via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “He was always clearly our starter, but there were so many questions about his injury, how he’d come back from it, that we didn’t even know if he’d be ready for this year, so we had to prepare for everything else… Trey was the guy we gave the keys to last year, so we were definitely excited to have him in a situation [to play], and we also didn’t know if Brock would be back, so we needed someone to come in and at least compete with Trey, and give us a chance, because Trey was hurt last year, and just got cleared before OTAs.”
The latter point helped explain the addition of Sam Darnold to compete for the backup role with Garoppolo no longer in the fold. In a further illustration of Lance’s underwhelming showings since being deemed the starter ahead of last September, Darnold is believed to be in the lead for the QB2 role. The remainder of the preseason will leave plenty of opportunities for the pecking order to change, but a healthy Purdy will of course alleviate many concerns at the position ahead of a campaign in which San Francisco again has substantial expectations.
Purdy is among the 49ers starters who will take part in tonight’s game against the Broncos, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. That will mark his first live action since the NFC title game, and another step toward his full-time debut as the team’s undisputed starter under center.