Future Hall of Fame corner back Patrick Peterson believes a San Francisco 49ers quarterback controversy between Mac Jones and Brock Purdy could happen if Purdy’s struggles continue.
Patrick Peterson Says Brock Purdy Struggles Could Lead to Controversy
Purdy’s season so far hasn’t gotten off to a good start. He has only played in two games this season due to a toe injury and a shoulder injury, and in those two games, things have been erratic at best. In the midst of Purdy’s injuries, Jones has stepped in and played well. After a less-than-stellar performance from Purdy in his return from injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Peterson believes a quarterback controversy could eventually happen.
Patrick Peterson believes there can be a Mac Jones / Brock Purdy QB controversy if Brock Purdy continues to struggle 👀
Thoughts ⬇️
Via: @UpAndAdamsShow pic.twitter.com/L6a8jjlk2W
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 29, 2025
So far this season, in just two games, Purdy has four interceptions and a fumble. Jones has four touchdowns to one interception on the season in the two games he started in Purdy’s absence. Peterson believes Purdy’s lack of height (6’1) is a big factor in the turnovers that he throws.
“The 49ers just don’t throw the ball down the numbers,” Peterson said on the Up and Adams show. “If you take the throws they want to make away and force the quarterback to beat you with his left hand, it makes his job harder because he is a shorter quarterback. All of those shorter quarterbacks have trouble reading if they don’t trust that the throws that they want to make are there.”
SF head Kyle Shanahan has a reputation for being able to maximize quarterbacks in his offensive systems, and Purdy is the biggest proof of that. Though Purdy is talented, he was the last pick in his draft, and it is a testament to Shanahan’s offensive acumen that he was able to turn him into a Pro Bowler and have him finish top five in MVP voting like he did in 2023. Before Purdy, Shanahan had success with Jimmy Garoppolo and current starters on other teams, such as former first-round pick Sam Darnold, who credits the SF coach for his resurgence
Purdy and Jones have played 85 and 90 plays so far this season, and both rank first and fourth, respectively, in success rate, which speaks to the structure of the offense.
The 49ers are 3-1, so the sky isn’t falling by any means. If Shanahan were considering benching Purdy, it would only be due to injury and not performance. He can try to gut through the injuries to fight for his team, but if he is doing more harm than good, then a change could be considered. Purdy signed a five-year $265 million mega extension back in May, and it would be a terrible look to turn away from him for Jones, even if Jones has stepped in seamlessly.
SF has high goals this season after a disappointing 2024, which resulted in missing the playoffs. Purdy gives the team the best shot to win, but the aches in SF feel good knowing that Jones can step in and drive the ship in case Purdy’s injuries continue to affect his play.
Main Image: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
