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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is entering his fifth NFL season. His former college teammate, Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, recently said Purdy has yet to reach his full potential.
Now, 49ers legend Steve Young has weighed in on the next step for San Francisco's franchise quarterback.
Speaking with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Young explained that Purdy's success starts with what happens immediately after the snap.
"His game is the first couple seconds," Young said. "Process, get some protection, have some weapons—as good as it gets."
Young believes Purdy's mobility will become even more important as he continues to develop. When plays break down, modern-day quarterbacks need to take advantage of the "free yards" with their legs, and Young wants to see Purdy capitalize on those opportunities.
Still, Young emphasized that Purdy's success in 2026 will depend heavily on the talent surrounding him—particularly receivers who can create separation quickly.
"To help him thrive—and every quarterback needs lots of help to thrive—we need some people that can get open quickly," Young said. "Brandon Aiyuk was somebody who got open on the perimeter quickly—and that's what his game is. Get open, show up, bam, get the ball to him and go."
The 49ers reshaped their receiving corps this offseason, adding veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk while drafting De'Zhaun Stribling to replace Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne. Many believe the revamped group gives Purdy an even stronger supporting cast heading into the 2026 season.
San Francisco is also counting on third-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to break out after injuries limited him during his first two NFL seasons.
"So, Mike, Ricky, they need to be people that can get off the line of scrimmage quickly, get open, get the ball out," Young added. "That's when he's going to be deadly."
If the 49ers' new-look receiving corps can consistently create early separation, it could unlock another level in Purdy's game.
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