The search for a reliable arm at the bottom of the depth chart is turning into a pressing offseason puzzle for the San Francisco 49ers. In a move highlighting their concern for quarterback stability, the team held tryouts on Monday, August 18th, headlined by a familiar face: former 49er Nate Sudfeld.

The tryout list, reported by NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, also included wide receivers Colton Dowell, Jalen Guyton, and J.J. Jones. However, the focus remained squarely on the signal-callers, as the organization looks to solidify its QB3 and QB4 options behind starter Brock Purdy and primary backup Mac Jones. This search for depth comes after a period of unexpected volatility in the preseason quarterback room.

How Do the 49ers’ QB3 Tryouts Impact Their Season Strategy?

The decision to host veteran tryouts is a clear indicator that the 49ers are not entirely comfortable with their current options for the third quarterback spot. This role, often seen as peripheral, becomes critically important in a league where injuries to starting quarterbacks are common. The team’s recent maneuvering reveals a depth chart conundrum.

Initially, rookie Tanner Mordecai was the frontrunner for the QB3 job. However, his subsequent release after competing with Carter Bradley—the son of 49ers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley—sent shockwaves through the preseason narrative. While Mordecai was later re-signed, the musical chairs at the position suggests the coaching staff, led by Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, is still searching for a specific skill set or a known quantity to provide peace of mind.

Could Nate Sudfeld Provide a Familiar Solution?

Nate Sudfeld’s presence at the tryout is the most intriguing storyline. The 31-year-old quarterback spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the 49ers, serving as a backup before being surpassed on the depth chart by the now-famous “Brock Purdy story” in 2022. His familiarity with Shanahan’s complex offensive system is his greatest asset, potentially allowing him to step in without a significant learning curve.

Sudfeld’s on-field NFL experience, though limited, includes six game appearances where he completed 25 of 37 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. After his time in San Francisco, he had a stint with the Detroit Lions but was out of football entirely in 2024. Signing Sudfeld would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the 49ers, offering a veteran presence in the quarterback room who already understands the playbook and organizational expectations.

Beyond Quarterback: Receivers Also Get a Look

While quarterback was the priority, the 49ers also evaluated talent at wide receiver. Jalen Guyton brings the most experience of the group, having played four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers where he was known for his deep-threat capability. Colton Dowell, a 2023 draft pick by the Tennessee Titans, and J.J. Jones, who spent time with the New England Patriots, round out the tryout list. Their inclusion suggests the team is also doing its due diligence to add competition and depth at the receiver position as final roster cuts loom.

The 49ers’ latest tryouts underscore the relentless pursuit of roster depth in the modern NFL, where a single injury can derail a season. While the spotlight is on the battle for QB3 behind Purdy and Jones, bringing in a known entity like Nate Sudfeld could be the strategic, low-risk insurance policy the front office is seeking to finalize a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

Must Know

Why are the 49ers holding QB tryouts now?
The team is looking to solidify their third and fourth-string quarterback options before the regular season begins. Recent instability with players like Tanner Mordecai being briefly released has created a need for experienced depth behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones.

Who is Nate Sudfeld?
Nate Sudfeld is a veteran quarterback who previously played for the 49ers in 2020 and 2021. He has limited NFL game experience but possesses valuable familiarity with Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, making him a potential plug-and-play option.

What happened to Tanner Mordecai?
Tanner Mordecai, a rookie, was initially competing for the QB3 job. He was surprisingly released after a competition with Carter Bradley but was later re-signed by the team, indicating the 49ers are still evaluating all their options.

Who is the 49ers’ starting QB?
Brock Purdy is the unquestioned starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Mac Jones was acquired in the offseason to serve as the primary backup.

Did the 49ers only try out quarterbacks?
No, the tryouts also included wide receivers Jalen Guyton, Colton Dowell, and J.J. Jones, showing the team is evaluating depth at multiple skill positions.

What are the chances Nate Sudfeld gets signed?
His chances are reasonable. His knowledge of the playbook is a significant advantage, and the 49ers may value a known veteran presence in the QB room over a less-experienced rookie for the third spot.