San Francisco 49ers' 2024 draft selection, quarterback Kurtis Rourke, faces an uphill battle in his recovery from an ACL tear, putting his immediate availability for training camp into question. Despite a standout college career, including a record-setting 29 touchdown passes, Rourke's injury history raises concerns about his NFL readiness. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized that while he's a valuable addition for the future, Rourke is likely to be sidelined for most of the upcoming season as he continues rehab.

The 49ers believe Rourke can develop behind established starters Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, with hopes of him filling a key backup role by 2026. However, the team is well aware that immediate contributions are not in the cards this year. As Purdy leads the charge, the 49ers will be relying on their veteran quarterbacks as Rourke navigates his recovery.

The NFL Draft is an annual event that garners significant attention, particularly the ending pick, famously known as 'Mr. Irrelevant.' This year marks the 50th anniversary of this unique tradition, celebrating the final selection of the NFL Draft. The latest example of how the title does not equate to failure is Brock Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 Draft who has since emerged as a leading quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, even leading them to a Super Bowl.

Started in 1976, Mr. Irrelevant serves to highlight perseverance and the achievement of being selected, regardless of the pick's order. The tradition includes a week of celebrations for the chosen player, culminating in a charity event. Despite being picked last, many have gone on to have notable careers, proving that every selection has potential. Players like Ryan Succop and Marty Moore are examples of how the label of 'irrelevant' can turn into success stories.

The ongoing 2025 NFL Draft is still buzzing with excitement as teams aim to enhance their rosters. After two days of selections, numerous talents remain available, including Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who could potentially be a game-changer for teams like the Tennessee Titans, who hold the 104th pick. Over the last five drafts, several late-round picks have emerged as stars, such as Tyler Biadasz and Brock Purdy, proving that hidden gems can be found beyond the first few rounds.

As teams strategize their remaining picks, the spotlight is on the best prospects left, including Deone Walker, Jack Sawyer, and CJ West, all of whom are poised for impactful careers in the NFL. The draft continues on Saturday, with analysts eager to dissect each choice's implications on teams' futures.

The San Francisco 49ers are on the cusp of extending Brock Purdy's contract, marking a shift from their strategy of building a super team around a rookie quarterback. After three seasons and impressive performance, Purdy is expected to secure a lucrative deal that could see him earning between $50 million and $55 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Previous negotiations for stars like Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa have set a precedent for high costs, but Purdy’s deal is projected to eclipse these, reflecting his value and the team's evolving financial strategy as they transition from a rookie deal framework.

Insider Ian Rapoport hinted at ongoing negotiations, indicating a potential agreement could come soon. The 49ers initially offered $45 million, but with Purdy's projected market value at nearly $60 million, expectations have shifted significantly. The outcome of these talks will be crucial not just for Purdy but for the team's future salary cap strategy, especially as they attempt to maintain a competitive roster amidst rising contracts.

The San Francisco 49ers faced a tumultuous 2024 season, drastically underperforming from their previous 12-5 record to a disappointing 6-11. Injuries plagued key offensive players such as Christian McCaffrey, who only played four games, and Brandon Aiyuk, who suffered an ACL tear in his seventh game. Other stars like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle also dealt with injuries, while the defense saw significant losses with players like Nick Bosa and Talanoa Hufanga sidelined at various points. Offseason changes include trading Samuel to Washington and signing quarterback Mac Jones, along with new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft is critical for the franchise to rebuild and refocus.