Earlier this month, Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN) released its list of the 25 highest-graded quarterbacks of the 21st century25 highest-graded quarterbacks of the 21st century, based on its proprietary QB+ metric. Purdy's surprising placement at No. 3 overall, ahead of some of the most iconic names in NFL history, will surely garner discussion.
According to PFSN contributor Brandon Austin, the QB+ formula evaluates quarterbacks with at least 200 regular-season pass attempts and assigns them a score and letter grade based on a variety of advanced metrics.
"QB+ is a formula that assigns a score and letter grade to each quarterback's individual performance," PFSN contributor Brandon Austin explained. "The metric blends stats like success rates when pressured, third-down conversion rate, and pocket production. The added wrinkle? Quantifying 'clutch.' We used timeliness-based stats to account for score and situation."
Purdy landed at No. 3, trailing only Peyton Manning and Patrick Mahomes, while ranking ahead of names such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Josh Allen.
"Brock Purdy landing at No. 3 may be a surprise, but the San Francisco 49ers' 2022 Mr. Irrelevant has outperformed every expectation," Austin noted.
The PFSN contributor admits that Purdy's three-year sample size is smaller than most on the list, but his on-field efficiency and success are undeniable. Despite not becoming the 49ers' starting quarterback until late in his rookie year, Purdy has already passed for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, and holds a 67.5% completion rate across 40 career games (36 starts).
"In 2023, his first full season as San Francisco's starter, Purdy led the NFL in net yards per attempt (8.74), yards per completion (13.9), passer rating (113.0), and touchdown rate (7.0%)," Austin added.
While critics still insist on labeling Purdy as a game manager, Austin notes that the advanced metrics say otherwise, and that his ceiling is higher than many thought.
"Purdy's +0.21 EPA per dropback ties Mahomes for second all time, trailing only Manning," Austin wrote. "He leads the league in net yards per attempt (8.4) and has a +0.43 EPA/DB from a clean pocket. He's also efficient as a runner, posting a +0.57 EPA per designed run across 35 such plays."
Seeing Purdy ranked ahead of some of the greatest quarterbacks of the modern era is a testament to how much he has accomplished in such a short time, especially considering he entered the league as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 49ers clearly believe in their young quarterback. This offseason, they rewarded Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract extension, cementing his status as the franchise's quarterback of the future. With his rapid rise and elite-level efficiency, the 49ers are confident he can lead them to a long-awaited Super Bowl title.
H/t to Kyle Madson of Niners Wire for the find.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Bleacher Report names Mac Jones 49ers' most important contract decision heading into 2026 season
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the NFL's more enviable situations at quarterback heading into the 2026 season. Brock Purdy is firmly established as the team's starter, but the 49ers also have a proven backup in Mac Jones who showed last season that he can step in and keep... -
Two former QBs revive 49ers' electrical substation injury talk
Former NFL quarterbacks Derek and David Carr have a theory about why the San Francisco 49ers always seem to find themselves dealing with injuries. And no, it isn't a new theory. Yep, you guessed it: more substation talk. The 49ers' injury history has been a recurring topic in... -
49ers' Brock Purdy: I still have a lot to learn from Kyle Shanahan
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy views head coach Kyle Shanahan as one of the best offensive minds in football, even calling him a "Hall of Fame coach" during a recent conversation with Tim Kawakami on The TK Show podcast. Purdy's respect for Shanahan is clear, and... -
49ers QB trait breakdown: How Brock Purdy and Mac Jones grade in B/R NFL 1000
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks, according to Bleacher Report's NFL 1000. The annual evaluation grades quarterbacks across six key traits—accuracy, processing, arm talent, decision-making, leadership, and pocket...