The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back a familiar face. Veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld, who once served as a backup for the Detroit Lions, has signed a one-year deal to return to the Bay Area.
Sudfeld, 31, was a sixth-round pick by Washington in the 2016 NFL Draft and has carved out a journeyman career as a steady depth option. Along the way, he’s suited up for Washington, the Eagles, the 49ers, and most recently the Lions.
In limited action across six career games, Sudfeld has completed 67.6% of his passes (25 of 37) for 188 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also adding 28 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Lions fans will remember his tough break in the 2023 preseason finale, when Sudfeld tore his ACL, costing him the entire season. Now healthy, he’s getting another shot with San Francisco, where he previously spent the 2021–22 seasons.
For the 49ers, it’s about depth and experience behind their starting quarterback, Brock Purdy. For Sudfeld, it’s another chance to keep his NFL career alive after an injury setback.