Montana's former top receiver, Jerry Rice, is among those that believes the 49ers need to re-sign Purdy. Like Montana, Rice noted the distraction that the ongoing contract negotiations with ...

"He has the knack of knowing when to break, when to use his speed," said former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, who threw 55 touchdown passes to Rice. Rice could cut like no other receiver ...

Rice's competition was suspect, the thinking went, as was his college coaching. The San Francisco 49ers thought differently ... when to use his speed," said Joe Montana, who threw 55 touchdown ...

developing a strong on-field relationship with quarterback Joe Montana. Most of the numbers that set up NFL receiving records Rice holds were recorded while he was a member of the 49ers.