Who Should I Start? Brock Purdy or C.J. Stroud

Tuesday, April 1, 1:04 PM

Although the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy still have yet to finalize a long-term contract extension this offseason, owner Jed York expressed optimism on Tuesday that the two sides are close to getting something done. "I think (contract talks have) been good," York said. "It's not conversations that I'm having. He's got to make a decision with what he wants to do. I don't think we're that far apart. I think we can sit down and get something done. Whenever he's ready, we're ready." Purdy still has one year left on his extremely affordable rookie contract, so technically the Niners don't need to be in a rush to extend him. However, the 49ers want to reward the 25-year-old after he made just $985,000 in 2024. Even though the Niners and Purdy had a down year last season and missed the playoffs, his new extension is expected pay him north of $50 million per year.

Saturday, January 18, 7:36 PM

Quarterback C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans spent most of the Divisional Round under pressure, completing 19 of 28 passing attempts for 245 yards with neither a touchdown or a turnover in his team's season-ending defeat at Kansas City on Saturday. The Chiefs were able to get the best of Houston's offensive line, sacking the sophomore quarterback eight times and impacting a number of other throws as Houston managed only one touchdown. Though he limped off late in the game, Stroud did re-enter for the final drive. It was a largely disappointing year fantasy-wise for last season's Rookie of the Year, but he has now led Houston to a division title and a Wild Card victory in both of his first two seasons. Houston's offense goes into the offseason with needs on the offensive line and for a No. 2 receiver, as Tank Dell (knee) could be unavailable through 2025 and Stefon Diggs is a free agent.