The debate over who deserves more respect between Brock Purdy and Baker Mayfield is heating up once again, and this time FOX Sports analyst Chris Broussard isn’t sitting on the fence.
After Mayfield received the higher placement in the latest NFL Top 100 rankings, Broussard quickly pushed back on the narrative, making it clear that if he had to choose one quarterback heading into the 2026 season, he’d take Purdy without hesitation. According to Broussard, Purdy is poised to finish the season with better accuracy, a higher passer rating, more touchdown passes, and ultimately more victories than the Buccaneers signal-caller. (X (formerly Twitter))
It’s a bold prediction, but one that many 49ers fans have heard before. Since entering the league as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has repeatedly faced questions about whether his success is simply the result of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system or the elite talent surrounding him. Yet every time critics write him off, the former “Mr. Irrelevant” seems to respond with another impressive stretch of football.
Heading into 2026, the situation appears even more favorable for San Francisco’s franchise quarterback. With Ricky Pearsall expected to take another step forward, the addition of Christian Kirk, and established stars like George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey providing plenty of firepower, Purdy has one of the NFL’s deepest supporting casts. If the 49ers stay healthy, the offense has the potential to rank among the league’s best once again.
Meanwhile, Mayfield deserves plenty of credit for revitalizing his career and earning national recognition after several productive seasons in Tampa Bay. His rise has been one of the NFL’s best comeback stories, making comparisons between the two quarterbacks even more intriguing. (Bucs Nation)
Still, Broussard believes Purdy’s efficiency, decision-making, and ability to execute in Shanahan’s offense give him the edge. His confidence suggests that by the end of the season, Purdy could once again silence the doubters and remind everyone why he has become one of the league’s most polarizing quarterbacks. (X (formerly Twitter))
Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain: the Purdy-versus-Mayfield debate isn’t going away anytime soon. And if Purdy delivers another winning season, the conversation may finally shift from whether he’s underrated to whether he’s earned a place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.