The Steelers still haven’t named a starting QB as they await a decision from Aaron Rodgers, while the 49ers are in ongoing contract negotiations with Brock Purdy, with no deal yet in place.
As talks between Purdy and the 49ers continue without resolution, speculation has mounted about a potential trade involving the young quarterback. Some analysts suggest that if San Francisco isn’t willing to meet Purdy’s possible demand for a market-resetting deal, they might consider moving him.
Recently, ESPN analyst and former NFL player Chris Canty floated a bold trade idea: Purdy to Pittsburgh in exchange for star linebacker T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ No. 21 overall pick. Canty also pointed out that the 49ers, who currently hold the No. 11 pick, could then draft a new quarterback if they retain that selection.
“T.J. Watt could be the key to acquiring Brock Purdy,” Canty said on UnSportsmanLike. He emphasized that the 49ers, having lost key defensive players, would benefit from adding Watt to a group that includes Fred Warner and Nick Bosa—especially with former DC Robert Saleh back in the fold.
Watt, like Purdy, is also eyeing a contract extension, and recent cryptic social media activity has fueled rumors that his situation in Pittsburgh might not be stable either.
If such a trade were to happen, the 49ers would have multiple quarterback options—potentially drafting a rookie or bringing in Rodgers as a short-term solution to mentor a future starter. On the other side, acquiring Purdy would be a major boost for Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation. They would likely be able to afford extending him, but losing Watt would seriously impact their defense and diminish their 2025 playoff hopes—especially since they’d lose their first-round draft pick too.
Ultimately, it seems unlikely that the 49ers would part with a 25-year-old QB who already led them to a Super Bowl, just as it’s hard to envision the Steelers trading away one of the league’s top defenders. Still, the idea of Pittsburgh exploring a Purdy trade—minus Watt—might not be completely off the table.
Leave a Reply