Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to account for $1.12 million against the salary cap in 2025.
His four-year deal averages $934,253 annually— a strikingly low amount for a player who has reached the NFC Championship twice and played in a Super Bowl.
Purdy’s performance in the Super Bowl showcased his grit. He led the team thrice in the fourth quarter and overtime despite ultimately falling short. However, his recent season was far from stellar, raising questions about his future value to the 49ers.
A Down Year for Purdy
Purdy’s 2024 season saw a significant statistical decline compared to his MVP-caliber 2023 campaign.
His completion percentage dropped from 69.4% to 65.9%, touchdowns fell from 31 to 20, and his quarterback rating dipped from 113 to 96.1. With a 6-10 record as a starter, the 49ers struggled, and Purdy’s performance suffered from a combination of injuries to key offensive players and inconsistency on the field.
The 49ers’ offense was without Brandon Aiyuk for most of the season, and Christian McCaffrey played in only four games. Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings also missed time, with Samuel showing noticeable regression when on the field. Furthermore, the absence of star left tackle Trent Williams for eight games, including the final six, left Purdy vulnerable in the pocket.
While these factors contributed to Purdy’s struggles, critics have reignited the debate over whether his success is more due to Kyle Shanahan’s system and the 49ers’ weapons than his own talent.
The Quarterback Contract Conundrum
The NFL’s quarterback market has spiraled out of control in recent years.
Many quarterbacks are handed massive contracts simply because they are next in line, not because they merit such deals. Given their significant cap hit, this dynamic makes it challenging for teams to build competitive rosters around quarterbacks on second contracts.
Only a handful of elite quarterbacks — those regularly in the top three or top five discussions — truly deserve these record-breaking deals. Teams must eventually resist the market trend and refuse to allocate up to 22% of the salary cap to quarterbacks who don’t provide commensurate value.
Should the 49ers Pay Purdy?
Brock Purdy is not in the same league as Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, but he’s also far from the bottom tier of quarterbacks. His skill set, highlighted by anticipation and touch, places him in the 7-12 range among NFL quarterbacks— above average but not elite.
Comparisons with other young quarterbacks, such as Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence, complicate the 49ers’ decision. Both received top-market deals despite questionable playoff success and consistency. Tua has struggled in big games and with availability, while Lawrence has only one playoff win. On the other hand, Purdy has four playoff victories, including an NFC Championship win and a Super Bowl appearance in his first two seasons as a starter.
While Purdy does not warrant a contract that consumes 22% of the cap, denying him a deal commensurate with his contributions could seem unjust compared to his peers.
The Decision Ahead
The 49ers face a pivotal offseason as they weigh Purdy’s value against the demands of the quarterback market.
Offering Purdy a top-market deal would challenge their ability to retain and build around other key players. However, taking a hardline stance could alienate Purdy and his representatives, potentially creating discord within the organization.
Striking the right balance will be crucial for the 49ers as they look to extend their championship window while managing the complexities of the modern quarterback market. Whether they decide to bet on Purdy or take a stand against inflated contracts, their choice will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the franchise.