Why the 49ers Signed QB Tanner Mordecai as a UDFA

Mordecai is experienced and accurate, like Purdy, plus Mordecai is a good athlete.

Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) drops back to pass / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers didn't draft a quarterback this year, but they signed one as an undrafted free agent and he has lots in common with Brock Purdy.

His name is Tanner Mordecai, and he's actually a month older than Purdy. Both of them played tons of college football. Mordecai spent his first three years of college at Oklahoma, but rarely played and threw only 70 passes. So he transfered to SMU, where he started for two seasons, attempted 897 passes, completed 66.4 percent of them and threw 72 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions.

In 2023. Mordecai transferred again, this time to Wisconsin, where he threw 314 passes, completed 65 percent of them and threw 9 touchdown passes and 4 interceptions. And in his bowl game against LSU, he threw for 378 yards, 3 toucdowns and 0 interceptions. So he's experienced and accurate, like Purdy.

Mordecai is experienced and accurate, like Purdy, plus Mordecai is a good athlete. He ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and rushed for 302 yards and 4 touchdowns last season at Wisconsin. So he's a threat to scramble, like Purdy.

It seems the 49ers have identified the traits that make Purdy unique and have attempted to find another college quarterback who fits the template. That doesn't mean Mordecai is the next Purdy, but it does mean he has a chance to be an excellent backup for this team. As opposed to Brandon Allen, a veteran who never should see the field. Or Joshua Dobbs, a career backup who falls apart if he has to start more than a few games in a row.

Mordecai will make his 49ers debut next week at their rookie minicamp. Let's see how he does.