Next 49ers Starting Quarterback Odds: It Apparently Will Not Be Tom Brady

The San Francisco 49ers entered the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles riding a 12-game winning streak, the last seven of which were led by rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who was the final overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, otherwise known as Mr. Irrelevant. This was considered by many to be one of the most remarkable runs of success by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.

However, Purdy suffered an injury to his right (throwing) elbow on just the sixth snap of the game against the Eagles. He was hit by a Philadelphia pass-rusher while attempting to throw and was forced to leave the game. Purdy was not expected to return, but was forced to in the second half after backup quarterback Josh Johnson suffered a concussion. However, Purdy was unable to throw the ball more than a few yards and as a result, the 49ers were soundly defeated, 31-7.

Purdy was later diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, suddenly throwing the Niners’ 2023 quarterback plans into disarray. So, let’s break down the NFL betting favorites at the top online sportsbooks to be the San Francisco starter in Week 1 of next season.

Brady Now Off the Market

Tom Brady, who grew up in the San Francisco area as a 49ers fan and whose parents still live there, was the NFL betting favorite on the prop bet to be the 49ers’ Week 1 QB in 2023. However, he announced his retirement just a short while ago at the age of 45, seemingly putting an end to his football career. This is the second consecutive year that Brady has retired on February 1, but unlike last year, he has stated that this time it’s for good and there will be no possibility of a return. As a result, his odds of being the 49ers’ Week 1 QB have changed to +1200.

The new favorite to be the Week 1 QB for the 49ers is Trey Lance, who is priced at -150. In 2021, the Niners gave up multiple draft picks to move up to the No. 3 spot in order to draft Lance from North Dakota State. Although he opened the 2022 season as the starter, he suffered a broken ankle in Week 2, subsequently ending his season. He is expected to be fully cleared for contact within three to four weeks, which will allow him to participate in organized team activities. Despite having just 102 regular-season passes entering his third year, Lance remains an unknown commodity.

Purdy (+300), is expected to require at least six months to recover from his torn UCL and if he needs Tommy John surgery – a relatively common procedure for MLB pitchers but quite rare for NFL players – then it would be 9-12 months, making him unlikely to be ready for Week 1. It remains to be seen whether Purdy was just a one-hit wonder with a talented roster around him.

With Brady retiring, Jimmy Garoppolo (+700) is now likely considered the top free-agent QB on the market. Garoppolo performed well when filling in for Lance this past season before he was also sidelined with an injury. Still, it would be surprising if Jimmy G returns to the 49ers, as they cannot use the franchise tag on him.

Finally, Aaron Rodgers (+2000) who also hails from the San Francisco area, is another option. The Green Bay Packers are reportedly entertaining trade offers for the four-time MVP, but would only consider deals with an AFC team. The New York Jets are believed to be the most likely destination.