A feature from longtime sports journalist Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post generated plenty of buzz on Friday—not because of his evaluation of Brock Purdy, but because of one intriguing claim involving the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
In his feature examining why Purdy must justify his lucrative contract extension, Bonsignore stated that the 49ers are a team to watch if Burrow's relationship with the Bengals ever reaches a breaking point.
"Multiple league sources have indicated that San Francisco is a team to watch if Burrow serves the Bengals with divorce papers," Bonsignore wrote. "For the same reasons Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch made an earnest run at Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2021, some believe they would not hesitate to do the same if Burrow is available."
Bonsignore argues that if the 49ers once again fall short of winning a Super Bowl and Burrow grows frustrated in Cincinnati, San Francisco could emerge as a logical trade destination.
"In a world in which close doesn't cut it, if the 49ers come up short again, they will reevaluate everything," Bonsignore wrote. "Eventually, they will have to ask themselves if Purdy is part of the solution or the problem. And if they need to start looking for a better quarterback."
However, such a blockbuster deal would require far more than simply swapping quarterbacks. The 49ers would have to throw much more into any potential trade deal.
"If that happens, and if Purdy and the 49ers don't close the deal this season, the 49ers are a logical trade partner," Bonsignore wrote. "In fact, Purdy could be the focal point of a hypothetical trade with the Bengals, along with a bunch of draft assets."
The last time Lynch and Shanahan executed a blockbuster trade—moving up in the draft to select Trey Lance—things didn't work out as hoped.
An obstacle in any Brock Purdy trade
While Bonsignore's proposed scenario is certainly interesting, there's one significant flaw in the logic.
Purdy has a full no-trade clause throughout the life of his contract, meaning he would have complete control over whether any deal could happen. Even if the 49ers decided to pursue Burrow, Purdy would have to approve a trade to Cincinnati.
That seems like a considerable hurdle. Purdy has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for playing under head coach Kyle Shanahan, and it's difficult to envision him voluntarily leaving one of the NFL's most quarterback-friendly offensive systems for the Bengals.
And Purdy doesn't seem to hold a grudge when the 49ers explore other options. He didn't do so when the team entertained bringing in Tom Brady following Purdy's rookie season, as the young quarterback was recovering from an elbow injury.
Additionally, Burrow would actually have to want out of Cincinnati. Even if that scenario unfolded, several others would be interested. Burrow is one of the league's elite quarterbacks and would instantly become the most sought-after player on the trade market, driving up the cost of any potential deal.
For now, the idea remains purely speculative. And thanks to Purdy's no-trade clause, the 49ers' path to landing Burrow would be far more complicated than simply putting together an attractive trade package.
Purdy enters his fifth NFL season after being limited to nine games in 2025 due to a turf toe injury. He still threw for 2,167 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during the regular season, then added 402 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in two playoff appearances.
Comments