Kurtenbach
No, this third-string quarterback would be a placeholder. A specialist in NFL playbooks and positive vibes. They're the backup to the backup — established in the league and capable of starting a game or three, but never truly threatening the players above them on the depth chart.
Purdy's scenario was so enjoyable to watch unfold because it was so peculiar. What third-string quarterback outperforms the No. 1 and No. 2 strings when a Super Bowl is on the line? Just Purdy.
Luckily, there are a whole lot of quarterbacks who seem to exist solely for situations like this.
But these kinds of quarterbacks don't necessarily come cheap.
The tricky part for the Niners is figuring out how much to budget for this position they didn't think they'd need to fill a few weeks ago.
No team in the NFL knows how valuable a depth quarterback is, but no team is trying to game the league's salary cap system by employing inexpensive quarterbacks more than the Niners, who are using the savings to maintain arguably the NFL's best roster.
Can you win a spotstart game with a veteran quarterback making the league minimum? Sure.
But can you build the Super Bowl contending
roster you want if you have to spend $5 million-plus on a backup you hope never sees the field?
One name fits the bill for Kyle Shanahan. You'll be familiar with him: Nick Mullens.
He knows Shanahan's offensive system and is held in high esteem by the Niners' coach. He can be signed for around $1 million, guaranteed. He can, in theory, win a game if something happens to Lance, and Purdy isn't quite ready to play.
Then there are the options from QB2U: Mizzou, my alma mater.
Chase Daniel, who has hinted at retirement, has made $43 million as an affable backup with nine career regular-season touchdown passes.
The Niners could do a whole lot worse. At the very worst, he'll be everyone's favorite teammate.
And while I know fans will recoil at the name, Blaine Gabbert also fits the bill as a temporary backup.
If the Niners need something a little more than temporary because Purdy's elbow won't be ready for Week 1, more money could attract Jacoby Brissett or perhaps even Andy Dalton to the Bay. It's a harder sell, but for $5 million the Niners can have one great quarterback room.
The Niners have options to fill out their quarterback roster. Good ones. A scalpel to Purdy's elbow will ultimately tell them what to do. They should be prepared for every possibility.