"It hurts losing that game, but it didn't hurt as bad as it should, if that makes sense," Samuel said via Cydney Henderson. "What were you supposed to do in a moment like that? We didn't want our season to end that way. If anything, we wanted to put up a fight instead of not having a chance."
During Week 13, Purdy replaced Garoppolo, who suffered a broken foot. Garoppolo had replaced Trey Lance, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury during Week 2. Next season, the quarterback room will be missing one of those names. Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he couldn't envision a scenario where Garoppolo returns in 2023.
The veteran quarterback is scheduled to become a free agent on March 15.
"Being around Jimmy for four years and being around the league for the last four years, you see a lot," Samuel shared. "People come in, people leave, people get cut. Not only just Jimmy, we have a few free agents on our team, which no team is going to look exactly the same. But losing Jimmy is pretty big."
That doesn't mean Samuel lacks faith in Purdy or Lance, two very different quarterbacks. With Purdy scheduled to undergo surgery on February 22, Lance will have the offseason, perhaps uncontested, to prove himself capable of starting next season.
"What makes Trey so special is … he can use his feet," Samuel said. "He is kind of that dual-threat quarterback. He can put that fear in you running. What makes Purdy so special is that he's so decisive. He's poised, and he's not afraid to mess up ... Purdy can move around a little bit too."
Samuel added: "It's going to be a competitive match, and the coach (Kyle Shanahan) is going to make the best decision for the team."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Shanahan on 49ers center Brendel: 'Jake's played at a pretty high level'
Jake Brendel remains a frequent topic of discussion among fans who believe the San Francisco 49ers could upgrade at center. While the team may explore options in the 2025 NFL Draft, a rookie replacing the veteran seems unlikely given head coach Kyle Shanahan's emphasis on... -
John Lynch: 49ers deal with Brock Purdy before offseason program possible, but not guaranteed
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters Monday at the NFL's annual league meeting in Florida, addressing contract negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy—while keeping details to a minimum. One thing, however, was clear when asked if Purdy... -
Kyle Shanahan opens up about 49ers' risk of losing Robert Saleh again
The San Francisco 49ers are banking on Robert Saleh to revitalize a defense that struggled last season. Returning for his second stint as defensive coordinator with the team after serving as head coach of the New York Jets, Saleh replaces Nick Sorensen and becomes the 49ers'... -
Chargers signing former 49ers, Cowboys QB Trey Lance
All that talk about Trey Lance potentially heading north of the border can now be put to rest. Despite the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League adding him to their negotiation list, Lance is staying in the NFL. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Los...