San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy still has his share of skeptics, but NFL Media's Dan Parr believes the signal-caller deserves serious consideration in the MVP conversation.

In a recent ranking of the NFL's top dark-horse MVP candidates, Parr placed Purdy at No. 1, ahead of notable names such as Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jayden Daniels. He wrote that his list is not a ranking of front-runners. Instead, it is a list of "plausible but not absurd" candidates.


One factor working in Purdy's favor is continuity. Unlike many quarterbacks on Parr's list, Purdy will be operating within the same offensive system for a fifth consecutive year under head coach Kyle Shanahan, whom Parr described as "one of the best in the business."

"Continuity alone does not make an MVP candidate, though," Parr wrote. "Purdy knows that, having finished fourth in the MVP voting in his first season as the team's full-time starter (2023)."

Parr also pointed to the 49ers' efforts to strengthen the offense around Purdy this offseason. San Francisco added future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans and veteran pass catcher Christian Kirk while using its first-round pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling.

The selection of Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick drew criticism from some analysts, who viewed it as a reach. However, Parr believes the rookie's size and speed could quickly silence those concerns.

Purdy's supporting cast extends well beyond the wide receiver position. The quarterback will once again have elite playmakers in tight end George Kittle—who could be ready for Week 1—and running back Christian McCaffrey.


There are also several young offensive weapons, including Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins, who will be looking to take the next step in their development.

"If 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall breaks out, Shanahan could have an embarrassment of riches," Parr wrote.

With an upgraded receiving corps, a healthy roster, and one of the NFL's most respected offensive minds calling plays, Purdy could turn some heads in 2026.

Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News