Kyle Shanahan and the team offered the most lucrative quarterback deal of the offseason, yet the real intrigue now centers on the backup order. Brock Purdy , the unquestioned starter, who signed a five-year, $265 million contract, was strongly hinted to sit out the preseason games after Week 2 against the Raiders. That too, with Shanahan intent on guarding him from injury. The spotlight shifts instead to those fighting behind him, where roster spots are on the line and every snap becomes a test before Tuesday, August 26. As the preseason finale against the Chargers on August 23 approaches, Shanahan stacked his 90-man roster with added weapons, sharpening competition before cutting it down to 53 by next week.

In a whirlwind of quarterback moves, the 49ers have brought in Tanner

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