Brock Purdy’s NFL journey is already one of the most fascinating in recent memory. From the final pick in the draft to a Super Bowl starter in less than two seasons, his career arc defies the odds
Although the 2024 season ended in disappointment, it shouldn’t overshadow what Purdy has already achieved—and what he still could. At just 25 years old, his best football may still be ahead of him.
The San Francisco 49ers have a talented young quarterback who has shown he can rise to the occasion. With the right pieces around him and a little more stability, Brock Purdy might not just lead the 49ers back to the Super Bowl—he might win it.
The Brock Purdy contract saga is more than a negotiation—it’s a statement about how the 49ers view their own roster, their offensive philosophy, and the future of their franchise.
As of now, no extension has been finalized. Until then, the pressure builds—not just on Purdy, but on the entire San Francisco organization.
If they choose wisely, they could secure a Super Bowl window for years. If not, they might follow the path of other teams who learned—too late—that big quarterback money can close more doors than it opens.
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Table of Contents
Brock Purdy and the Contract Standstill
A Defining Moment for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are currently navigating one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory.1
At the heart of the discussion is quarterback Brock Purdy, who has rapidly transformed from “Mr. Irrelevant” into a household name.
But with great performance comes an even greater price tag, and Purdy’s quest for a contract extension has become a hot topic—not just in San Francisco, but across the entire NFL.
From Final Pick to Franchise Hope
When the 49ers selected Brock Purdy with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, few anticipated that the Iowa State alum would become the face of the franchise in such short order.
After injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance in 2022, Purdy stepped into the starting role and exceeded expectations.
He led San Francisco to an NFC Championship appearance in his rookie year, showing poise, precision, and unexpected maturity.
In 2023, he continued to impress, leading the 49ers deep into the playoffs again, solidifying his status as a starting-caliber quarterback.
Loyal, Forever, True. pic.twitter.com/mjKibAdk5c
— Brock Purdy (@brockpurdy13) January 8, 2022
A Rookie Contract With Big Returns
- Purdy’s initial four-year deal worth $3.74 million was one of the best bargains in the NFL.
- For a team that has invested heavily in star talent like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Nick Bosa, having a quality quarterback on a cheap deal gave the 49ers room to spend elsewhere.
- But that window is closing. Purdy will enter the final year of his contract in 2025, and the quarterback is reportedly seeking a deal worth upwards of $50 million per season.
- Negotiations have dragged on through the offseason, and reports now indicate that talks have stalled.
- Sports media personality Colin Cowherd weighed in on the matter during his show The Herd, urging the 49ers to think twice before making Purdy one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
- Cowherd referenced Dak Prescott’s massive four-year, $160 million deal (later restructured and extended to $240 million), which, in his opinion, marked the beginning of the Cowboys’ decline from championship contenders.
- “When did the Cowboys’ Super Bowl window really close? When they paid Dak the big money,” Cowherd said.
- “San Francisco, look at the Cowboys. The Dak-Purdy comps are very similar… they win a lot, but boy, when they lose a key offensive performer, they don’t elevate average people.”
Brock Purdy: The Dak Prescott Parallel
Cowherd’s comparison between Purdy and Prescott may raise eyebrows, but it’s not without merit.2
Both were late-round draft picks who found themselves starting due to injuries.
Both benefitted from elite supporting casts—Prescott had Ezekiel Elliott and a strong offensive line; Purdy has Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Shanahan’s masterful offensive scheme.
While Prescott has been productive, critics argue that he has not elevated his team in the biggest moments.
Similarly, questions linger about whether Purdy is a system quarterback who thrives because of the talent around him—or whether he can be the type of elite leader who can win games single-handedly.
The Risk of Paying Big
NFL teams often face a crossroads when deciding to extend quarterbacks who have performed well on rookie contracts.
Locking in a player early can be beneficial if they continue to ascend. However, paying big for a good-but-not-great quarterback can backfire—tying up cap space and limiting roster flexibility.
Cowherd’s argument rests on that very notion: if the 49ers go all-in on Purdy financially, they may end up sacrificing the very roster depth that allowed him to succeed in the first place.
Front Office Hesitation: A Sign of Doubt?
Despite Purdy’s accomplishments, the 49ers front office appears cautious. The team has seen an exodus of key contributors in free agency and may be looking to retain flexibility heading into 2025 and beyond.
This hesitancy could signal that while the 49ers respect Purdy’s performance, they’re unsure if he’s the type of player to command a top-tier salary.
Unlike Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Josh Allen—quarterbacks who can dominate regardless of supporting cast—Purdy’s value is still somewhat tied to the system he operates in.
The McCaffrey Factor
One of the key reasons for Purdy’s success has been the presence of running back Christian McCaffrey. Acquired during the 2022 season, McCaffrey transformed the 49ers’ offense with his versatility and elite playmaking ability.
Cowherd highlighted how both Purdy and Prescott benefitted from dominant run games. When those run games falter or key playmakers are unavailable, neither quarterback has consistently shown the ability to carry the team on their shoulders.
This is critical context for the 49ers’ front office. If a $50 million annual salary limits their ability to retain weapons like McCaffrey, it could diminish Purdy’s overall effectiveness.
Brock Purdy: What’s the Market for Quarterbacks?
In recent years, the quarterback market has exploded. Deals for top-tier signal callers now hover between $45–55 million per year.3
For example:
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Joe Burrow: 5 years, $275 million ($55M/year)
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Justin Herbert: 5 years, $262.5 million ($52.5M/year)
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Lamar Jackson: 5 years, $260 million ($52M/year)
These deals reflect both performance and projection. In Purdy’s case, his trajectory is impressive, but does his body of work justify elite-level compensation?
A Calculated Gamble
If the 49ers gamble by waiting, they risk alienating their quarterback or potentially having to pay even more down the road if he continues to shine in 2025.
But paying early also carries risks. If Purdy regresses or suffers a serious injury, a massive deal could become an anchor.
It’s a chess match that the 49ers have to play with both caution and foresight. The right move could secure a decade of success. The wrong move could derail a contender.
Locker Room Dynamics and Team Chemistry
It’s also worth considering how a massive contract for Purdy might affect team chemistry. The 49ers have multiple high-paid stars.
A sudden leap in Purdy’s earnings could trigger tension or create salary cap ripple effects, forcing tough decisions on other extensions (like Brandon Aiyuk or Dre Greenlaw).
Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have built a culture rooted in selflessness and competition. Maintaining that culture means balancing financial demands with locker room harmony.
The Path Forward
The 49ers’ options include:
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Paying Purdy now – Lock him in before his price goes up, but risk overpaying.
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Waiting until 2025 – Evaluate another season, but risk souring the relationship.
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Franchise tagging – A temporary fix that avoids a long-term commitment, but also creates uncertainty.
Each option carries pros and cons, and the decision will define the team’s direction for years to come.
Also Read: Brock Purdy’s Religious Faith: Jewish Or Christian? Family Details, Career And More Explained
Brock Purdy: From Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl Starter
Brock Purdy’s journey to the NFL spotlight is one of the most improbable stories in recent football history.
Drafted with the very last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Purdy was labeled “Mr. Irrelevant.” Yet, just two years later, he was leading his team onto the field at the Super Bowl.
His rise has been nothing short of remarkable, and though the 2024 season didn’t end on a high note for the 49ers, Purdy’s path remains one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
The Unexpected Rise in 2022
Purdy’s NFL career began as a long shot. As the third-string quarterback behind Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy was largely expected to be a backup or even practice squad player in 2022.
However, when both Lance and Garoppolo suffered season-ending injuries, the rookie was thrust into the starting lineup.
To the surprise of many, Purdy thrived under pressure. He showed poise, accuracy, and leadership beyond his years. Not only did he keep the 49ers afloat, he helped propel them all the way to the NFC Championship Game. His quick decision-making and smart play earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.
Heading into the 2023 offseason, there was speculation about who would be the 49ers’ starting quarterback. With Garoppolo gone and Lance still recovering from injury, Purdy had the inside track.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch expressed their confidence in Purdy’s leadership and playmaking ability.
By the start of the 2023 season, it was official—Brock Purdy was the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
Leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl
Purdy’s first full season as a starter couldn’t have gone much better. The 2023-2024 campaign saw the 49ers dominate the NFC, thanks in large part to Purdy’s efficient play.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was consistent. His chemistry with key playmakers like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk helped power San Francisco’s offense.
The team cruised through the regular season and into the playoffs, eventually reaching the Super Bowl, where they faced the Kansas City Chiefs.
While Purdy and the 49ers played well, they ultimately fell short to Patrick Mahomes and the reigning dynasty, losing the championship game in a close contest.
Brock Purdy’s Dual Threat Ability
Though he’s not known as a mobile quarterback, Purdy showed flashes of athleticism throughout the 2024 season.
With 323 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 66 carries, he added a new dimension to his game that wasn’t fully displayed in his rookie year.
This willingness to run when necessary kept defenses honest and showed that Purdy can make plays with his legs when required.
Despite the team’s struggles, Purdy continued to earn respect in the locker room for his leadership. He faced immense pressure—not just from opposing defenses, but also from critics who doubted his staying power in the league.
Through it all, he remained composed and dedicated to improving. His poise, even in tough losses, was consistently praised by teammates and coaches alike.
Comparison to Other Young Quarterbacks
In an NFL filled with young, dynamic quarterbacks, Purdy often flies under the radar. He’s not as flashy as a Patrick Mahomes or as elusive as Lamar Jackson, but his accuracy and decision-making set him apart.
Purdy has drawn comparisons to Kirk Cousins or even a young Drew Brees in terms of efficiency. While he may not dazzle with highlight-reel throws, his game management and smart reads make him a valuable asset under center.
With the 2025 offseason approaching, questions inevitably swirl around Purdy’s long-term future in San Francisco.
Some fans and analysts have speculated about the team exploring other options, including potentially drafting a quarterback or signing a veteran backup to compete.
However, given Purdy’s impressive production in just two seasons as a starter—including a Super Bowl run—it seems likely the 49ers will continue to build around him. The key will be surrounding him with a healthier, more consistent supporting cast.
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Building a Championship-Caliber Team Around Him
If the 49ers want to return to the Super Bowl, they must address several roster concerns. That includes improving their offensive line, reinforcing the secondary, and adding depth at key positions like linebacker and wide receiver.
Purdy has proven he can lead a high-powered offense, but he can’t do it alone. The front office must now ensure that the 2025 roster is more resilient and better prepared for a deep postseason run.
While some 49ers fans remain skeptical of Purdy’s long-term ceiling, many appreciate what he’s already accomplished. For a player once thought to be a career backup—or not even NFL caliber—Purdy has shattered expectations.
He’s become a fan favorite for his underdog story, gritty play, and calm demeanor. With more experience and a healthier team, fans are hopeful he can take the next step as a franchise quarterback.
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