Most Career Passing Yards by a San Francisco 49ers Player

The San Francisco 49ers are practically quarterback royalty. When your past includes Joe Montana and Steve Young, expectations stay sky-high. But this list isn’t just about Hall of Fame busts — it’s about guys who moved the chains, battled through eras, and carried the red and gold under center. From John Brodie’s pre-Super Bowl grind to Brock Purdy’s shocking rise, here are the top 10 quarterbacks in Niners history by career passing yards.

TOP 10 LIST

10. Brock Purdy – 9,518 Yards
Still early in his career, Purdy’s rapid rise has already vaulted him into the franchise’s top 10 — and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

9. Frankie Albert – 10,795 Yards
A 1940s pioneer, Albert set the tone for quarterback play in San Francisco decades before the Super Bowl was even a thing.

8. Colin Kaepernick – 12,271 Yards
Kaep didn’t just make headlines — he made plays. With explosive runs and a rocket arm, his prime helped fuel multiple deep playoff runs.

7. Jimmy Garoppolo – 13,599 Yards
He wasn’t always flashy, but Jimmy G delivered consistent results — including a Super Bowl berth and nearly 14,000 yards.

6. Alex Smith – 14,280 Yards
Smith weathered a tough start and came out a leader, stabilizing the Niners before passing the torch to Kaepernick.

5. Y.A. Tittle – 16,016 Yards
Before he was a New York legend, Tittle dropped dimes in the Bay — dominating defenses in the ‘50s with his arm and grit.

4. Jeff Garcia – 16,408 Yards
He may not get the same love as Montana or Young, but Garcia was a baller — three Pro Bowls and pure production during a tough era.

3. Steve Young – 29,907 Yards
Montana’s successor proved he could sling it too — with an MVP trophy, a Super Bowl ring, and nearly 30K passing yards to show for it.

2. John Brodie – 31,548 Yards
The forgotten stat king. Brodie’s 17-year career was filled with big throws long before San Francisco was a title town.

1. Joe Montana – 35,124 Yards
The GOAT before the GOATs. Four Super Bowls, unmatched poise, and 35,124 passing yards — Montana didn’t just win, he defined winning.

Ranking the 10 best career passing yard leaders in San Francisco 49ers history

Top 50 Career Passing Performances in San Francisco 49ers History

This list highlights every 49ers player who has thrown for at least 227 passing yards in their time with the franchise — from Hall of Famers to one-year wonders. A full journey through red and gold quarterback history.

San Francisco’s quarterback lineage might be the most iconic in NFL history. From the cool confidence of Montana to the mobility of Kaepernick and the emergence of Brock Purdy, there’s no shortage of drama, glory, and unforgettable moments. As the franchise continues its pursuit of another title, the quarterback position remains at the heart of it all.

FAQ Section

Who has the most career passing yards for the 49ers?
Joe Montana leads the franchise with 35,124 passing yards.

Which 49ers quarterback came closest to passing Montana?
John Brodie, who threw for 31,548 yards during his 17-year Niners career.

Is Brock Purdy already in the top 10?
Yes — Purdy currently ranks 10th with over 9,500 yards and is still climbing.

Who followed Montana with another elite run?
Steve Young, who threw for 29,907 yards and won a Super Bowl of his own.

Who are some underrated names on the list?
Jeff Garcia and Alex Smith both quietly put up big numbers and guided playoff runs.

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