The 49ers have decided on QB3

On August 20, 2026, in Inglewood, California, the San Francisco 49ers announced they had made a decision regarding their third quarterback position. Quarterback Adrian Martinez, 26, was released by the team, making way for 2025 seventh-round draft pick Kurtis Rourke to secure a spot on the 53-man roster as the team's third quarterback.

Martinez, during the preseason, threw for 346 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in all three games. He had been an unlikely candidate to make the 53-man roster after a strong offseason and a promising preseason performance from Rourke, who completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards as the starter in the 49ers' inaugural preseason game. Martinez had been on the 49ers practice squad the previous season, serving as the No. 2 quarterback to Mac Jones when Brock Purdy was injured for portions of 2025.

The 49ers had previously signed Martinez to a futures contract in January and had been competing with him for the No. 3 role throughout the offseason. However, the team showed interest in Rourke, who missed his entire rookie season after recovering from a torn ACL he sustained during his college career at Indiana. The 49ers drafted him in the seventh round last year, and he now takes on the third quarterback role, serving as the team's emergency quarterback during games.

Rourke's strong preseason performance also opens the door for him to potentially become the 49ers' backup once Mac Jones's contract expires next offseason. For Martinez, the release could lead him back to the 49ers' practice squad if no other opportunities arise.