49ers' Brock Purdy Faces 6 Hurdles to Winning MVP Award

NFL insider Albert Breer highlights the key factors that could make or break Purdy's MVP chances in 2026.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will need to overcome six key challenges if he wants to win the NFL MVP award in 2026. Breer believes Purdy has the talent to be an MVP, but the 49ers will need to stay healthy, get strong seasons from players like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, and resolve any contract disputes with Trent Williams for Purdy to have a realistic shot at the award.

Why it matters

Purdy emerged as a surprise star for the 49ers in 2023, leading the team to a 12-4 record and a Pro Bowl selection. Winning the MVP award would cement his status as one of the league's elite quarterbacks and further validate the 49ers' faith in him as their long-term answer at the position.

The details

Breer highlighted six key factors the 49ers must address for Purdy to win MVP in 2026: 1) The team must stay healthy, especially key offensive weapons like McCaffrey, Kittle, and Mike Evans; 2) Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall must develop into a reliable target; 3) McCaffrey, Kittle, and Evans must maintain their high levels of play; 4) Trent Williams must resolve any contract disputes and continue his dominant play at left tackle; 5) The 49ers must finish with one of the best records in the NFL; and 6) Purdy must put up MVP-caliber numbers, similar to Matthew Stafford's 2021 season.

  • Purdy had a breakout 2023 season, going 12-4 with a 69.4% completion rate, 4,280 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
  • Purdy finished 4th in MVP voting in 2023.

The players

Brock Purdy

The San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback who emerged as a surprise star in 2023 and is now looking to take the next step and win the NFL MVP award.

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' star running back who will need to maintain his high level of play for Purdy to have a chance at the MVP.

George Kittle

The 49ers' Pro Bowl tight end who is another key offensive weapon that must continue performing at a high level.

Trent Williams

The 49ers' dominant left tackle who must resolve any contract disputes and stay healthy for the team's offense to thrive.

Ricky Pearsall

A rookie wide receiver for the 49ers who will need to develop into a reliable target for Purdy.

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What they’re saying

“Love Purdy, and I think it's possible if the Niners get healthy, and Ricky Pearsall develops, and Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle maintain their accustomed levels, and Trent Williams does the same and gets through a contact impasse.”

— Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated Insider

What’s next

The 49ers will need to address Trent Williams' contract situation and ensure their key offensive weapons like McCaffrey, Kittle, and Evans stay healthy and productive throughout the 2026 season if Purdy is to have a realistic shot at winning the MVP award.

The takeaway

Brock Purdy has the talent to be an MVP-caliber quarterback, but the 49ers will need to overcome several challenges as a team in order for him to capture the award. Staying healthy, getting strong seasons from their skill position players, and resolving any contract disputes will all be crucial factors in determining whether Purdy can take home the MVP trophy in 2026.