The San Francisco 49ers are nearing a historic contract extension with quarterback Brock Purdy, transforming him from one of the NFL’s lowest-paid QBs to one of its highest-paid, second only to Dak Prescott. According to media reports, this deal marks not only a turning point in Purdy’s career but also a significant milestone in the 49ers’ team-building strategy.
From “Mr. Irrelevant” to Star
Brock Purdy, selected as the final pick (262nd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, was famously dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” a title given to the last player chosen. However, he quickly proved his worth, leading the 49ers to two consecutive NFC Championship games and nearly securing a victory in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a disappointing 6-11 record in the 2024 season, Purdy remains the cornerstone of the team’s future.
Currently, Purdy is playing under a contract worth approximately $1.1 million for the 2025 season—the lowest among starting NFL quarterbacks. However, reports from The Athletic and NFL insider Mike Jones suggest that Purdy’s new deal could average around $50 million per year, placing him among the top 11 highest-paid QBs. If the salary reaches $51–55 million annually, he would rank in the top 10, and if it exceeds $55 million, he would become the second-highest-paid QB, trailing only Dak Prescott ($60 million/year).
Contract Details and Projections
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Purdy’s contract could be worth up to $280 million over five years, with an average annual value of $55.1 million. However, Florio notes that the guaranteed structure might lower the average guaranteed money to $46.8 million. This structure could benefit both sides: Purdy secures a massive payday, especially if he maintains his high performance, while the 49ers retain financial flexibility to build their roster.
Other sources, such as ESPN, project a four-year deal worth $196 million, including $112 million in guarantees. While the final figures are yet to be finalized, analysts agree that Purdy will earn a salary commensurate with his status as a top-tier QB.
Positive Signals from Negotiations
Negotiations between the 49ers and Purdy have been ongoing for months, but recent developments indicate that a deal is imminent. The 49ers’ completion of a record-breaking contract with tight end George Kittle in early May is seen as a positive sign. Both Jones and Florio believe the Purdy deal could be finalized before offseason training activities (OTAs) begin on May 27.
General Manager John Lynch, while tight-lipped about specifics, expressed optimism about Purdy, emphasizing that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” the contract will be signed. Purdy’s attendance at voluntary workouts in April was also viewed by analysts like Mike Silver of The Athletic as a positive indicator, suggesting he believes an agreement is close.
Challenges and Opportunities
Signing Purdy to a massive contract poses challenges for the 49ers in managing their salary cap. With stars like Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, and Brandon Aiyuk already on high-value deals, the team must navigate financial constraints to maintain a competitive roster. Some, like analyst Grant Cohn, suggest the 49ers could play hardball by using the franchise tag in 2026 and 2027, but this risks straining relations with Purdy and impacting team morale.
However, the 49ers’ history under Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan shows a willingness to invest in key players. CEO Jed York has stated that the quarterback position is the most important in sports and deserves top pay. With Purdy, the 49ers are not only rewarding current performance but also betting on his potential to return the team to championship glory.
Community and Reactions
On social media platforms like X, posts reflect both excitement and debate about Purdy’s contract. Some predict he could earn $58–61 million annually, while others argue that $50–55 million is more reasonable. Nevertheless, most agree that Purdy deserves a significant raise after his accomplishments on a modest salary.
Conclusion
Brock Purdy’s forthcoming contract is not only a reward for his remarkable journey but also a statement of the 49ers’ ambitions for the future. From an overlooked draft pick to a symbol of perseverance and talent, Purdy has defied expectations. With a salary expected to place him among the NFL’s highest-paid QBs, the 49ers are making a bold investment in their young star, hoping he will lead them to the Super Bowl title they’ve long coveted.