Since leaving the Birmingham Stallions, Adrian Martinez has been working hard to stick in the NFL. This week was another big step in the right direction.
Being on the active roster might not seem like a significant step to most people. But QB is a completely different beast. Guys have made entire careers out of being backup QBs.
Also, once you’re a backup QB, you’re only one play away from getting your next shot.
Adrian Martinez QB 2
Adrian Martinez was elevated to the active roster for the 49ers’ week two game due to Brock Purdy’s injury.
While he didn’t play a single snap, it wasn’t all bad. For one, his coach expressed confidence in him. The team not signing another QB for extra insurance was also a good sign.
Remember, only 32 people in the world can claim to be an NFL backup QB on any given Sunday. So, having enough faith in Martinez to be one of them says something.
This week, he reverted to the practice squad, but that’s just a procedural move. All indications are that Martinez will be QB2 as long as Purdy is out.
Does Adrian Martinez Have a Future in The NFL?
It’s impossible to say if Adrian Martinez can get off the practice squad on a more permanent basis. But there have been some promising signs.
After spending all of last season on the Jets’ practice squad, Marinez was among the last roster cuts this season. He didn’t stay unemployed for long; the 49ers were quick to sign him.
For the 49ers to sign him over a more veteran option means they see something in him. They might not think he’s ready to play today, but they definitely think he has the potential to develop into something.
He’s also made enough of an impression during his tenure to be trusted to take over the offense if Mac Jones goes down as well.
At 25 years old, Adrian Martinez isn’t exactly young, but he’s not old either. He definitely has some more room to develop. If he does, he’ll have a real shot at making the NFL a career.
Birmingham Stallions Career
Adrian Martinez’s Birmingham Stallion career was short but sweet.
Martinez won the 2024 UFL MVP award while leading the Stallions to another championship.
His performance was enough to get him his shot with the Jets. And that time with the Jets led to his current opportunity in San Francisco.
Hopefully, this opportunity will lead to something bigger. But, if it doesn’t, the Stallions would certainly welcome him back with open arms. But let’s hope that doesn’t happen, because for now, Martinez seems to be quietly carving himself out a place in the NFL.