It's that time of year again: NFL power rankings season. And if there's one thing fans love more than a heated divisional matchup, it's a quarterback list that sparks debate. The latest rankings from SB Nation's Jarrett Bailey have done exactly that—especially when it comes to one particular signal-caller: Brock Purdy.

Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers' young quarterback, has been a lightning rod for discussion since he burst onto the scene. He's undeniably productive, makes clutch plays, and, most importantly, wins games. But the question that keeps circling back is simple: how much of that success is truly his, and how much is a product of playing under offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan?

That question—combined with the lingering "Mr. Irrelevant" label from being the last pick in the 2022 draft—appears to be weighing on how some analysts view him. And Bailey's latest ranking has only added fuel to the fire.

In Bailey's 2026 quarterback power rankings, Purdy landed at No. 18. That's right—outside the top half of the league's starting quarterbacks. For context, Bailey placed Purdy behind names like Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff, and C.J. Stroud. He's ranked just ahead of Aaron Rodgers, Kyler Murray, and Bo Nix, while 49ers backup Mac Jones sits at No. 24.

Now, any quarterback ranking is inherently subjective, and opinions vary wildly depending on who you ask. But Purdy's placement here mirrors a broader trend: despite leading the 49ers to consistent success since taking over in 2022, he's often slotted in the mid-to-lower range of NFL starters. It's a curious spot for a quarterback who has already accomplished more than most late-round picks ever dream of.

Whether you agree with Bailey's list or not, one thing is certain: the debate over Purdy's true standing is far from over. And for fans and analysts alike, that's exactly what makes these rankings so much fun to argue about.