50MillionAAVWorthIt?∗∗BrockPurdy,whowentfrom”Mr.Irrelevant”
(thefinalpickinthe2022NFLDraft)tothestartingquarterbackoftheSanFrancisco49ers,isnowpoisedtosignacontractwithanaverageannualvalue(AAV)ofaround50 million. This would place him among the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks, alongside Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers. However, the question arises: Does Purdy truly deserve this salary compared to his peers? To answer this, we analyze their statistics, individual achievements, team contexts, and the role of supporting systems in their success.
Statistics and Individual Achievements
Brock Purdy
In the 2023 season, Purdy delivered an impressive performance:
Passing yards: 4,280
Touchdowns (TD): 31
Interceptions (INT): 11
Passer rating: 113.0 (led the NFL)
Beyond regular-season stats, Purdy led the 49ers to the NFC Championship and Super Bowl LVIII. His quick decision-making, accuracy, and composure under pressure in high-stakes playoff games solidified his reputation. This playoff success is Purdy’s standout quality, especially when compared to Lawrence and Love.
Trevor Lawrence
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence carried immense expectations. In 2023:
Passing yards: 4,016
TD: 21
INT: 14
Passer rating: 88.5
While Lawrence guided the Jaguars to the playoffs, they failed to advance deep. Despite flashes of brilliance, he lacked consistency and struggled in critical moments, contrasting with Purdy’s playoff poise.
Jordan Love
Aaron Rodgers’ successor in Green Bay, Love had a breakout 2023 season:
Passing yards: 4,159
TD: 32
INT: 11
Passer rating: 96.1
Love led the Packers to the playoffs but fell to Purdy’s 49ers in the Divisional Round. Though showcasing potential, his playoff experience remains limited compared to Purdy’s.
The Role of System and Supporting Cast
A common argument is that Purdy’s success stems from head coach Kyle Shanahan’s elite offensive system and the 49ers’ stacked roster. Shanahan’s scheme, known for creating easy reads and open throws, simplifies the quarterback’s role. Additionally, Purdy benefits from star weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle—luxuries not available to Lawrence or Love.
However, Purdy has maximized these advantages. His ability to execute under pressure and elevate his play in critical moments (e.g., playoff comebacks) suggests he’s more than just a “system QB.” In contrast, Lawrence and Love operate with less talent around them, raising the question: Could Purdy replicate his success on a weaker team? Regardless, thriving within a strong system is itself a valuable quarterback trait.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Statistical Edge
Passer rating: Purdy (113.0) > Love (96.1) > Lawrence (88.5).
TD/INT ratio: Purdy (31/11) ≈ Love (32/11) > Lawrence (21/14).
Passing yards: All surpassed 4,000, with Purdy slightly leading.
While Purdy’s stats aren’t astronomically better than Love’s, he outperforms Lawrence in efficiency.
Playoff Pedigree
Purdy: Reached Super Bowl LVIII, multiple playoff wins.
Lawrence: One playoff appearance, no wins.
Love: One playoff run, eliminated by Purdy’s 49ers.
Purdy’s clutch performances in high-leverage games set him apart.
Long-Term Potential
Lawrence (a former generational prospect) and Love (a rising star) have higher perceived ceilings. Purdy, meanwhile, has already proven his ability to win now—a critical factor in contract valuations.
Is $50 Million AAV Justified for Purdy?
Two key factors determine Purdy’s value:
Individual Performance: Purdy’s stats aren’t otherworldly (e.g., Patrick Mahomes), but his playoff success and efficiency in Shanahan’s system are unmatched among his peers.
Market Value: Elite QB contracts reflect both past production and future potential. Lawrence and Love are paid for their upside, while Purdy’s deal rewards proven results.
If Purdy maintains his trajectory and delivers another Super Bowl run, $50 million AAV is reasonable. However, skepticism remains about his ability to excel outside Shanahan’s system.
Conclusion
Brock Purdy is a unique case: His stats don’t dominate, but his playoff success and ability to elevate his team in critical moments make him invaluable. Compared to Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love, Purdy’s proven ability to win big games justifies his place among the NFL’s highest-paid QBs. While Lawrence and Love symbolize future potential, Purdy embodies present-day success. A $50 million AAV isn’t just fair—it’s a warranted reward for a quarterback who has already delivered historic achievements for the 49ers.