The San Francisco 49ers have placed their long-term faith in quarterback Brock Purdy with an ambitious contract extension, ensuring he remains a cornerstone of the team for the foreseeable future. However, a surprising detail in this contract, revealed by NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, could make it nearly impossible for the 49ers to part ways with Purdy, even if they decide to change course.
A Historic Contract with an Unexpected Clause
On May 16, 2025, the 49ers and Brock Purdy finalized a five-year contract extension worth a staggering $265 million, averaging $53 million per year, placing him among the top 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. This deal not only provides Purdy with a well-deserved pay increase—having earned just $2.6 million over his first three seasons—but also includes a rare provision: a full no-trade clause throughout the duration of the contract.
This no-trade clause means the 49ers cannot trade Purdy to another team without his explicit consent. Such a clause is uncommon in NFL contracts, particularly for a young quarterback like Purdy, who has only served as the team’s primary starter for two full seasons. This detail underscores the immense confidence that Purdy and his representation have in his long-term value, while putting the 49ers in a challenging position should circumstances change.
Why This Clause Matters
With the no-trade clause, the 49ers have relinquished a key tool for managing Purdy’s future. If the team seeks to restructure its roster or pursue a different quarterback due to a dip in Purdy’s performance or strategic shifts, they cannot easily trade him for valuable assets like draft picks or players. Instead, any move to part ways with Purdy would require his agreement, which is highly unlikely if he wishes to stay in San Francisco.
That said, Garafolo notes that this clause may not pose significant issues for the 49ers in the short term. Purdy’s contract includes potential “outs” after three seasons (post-2028), allowing the team to terminate the deal with less financial penalty if things don’t go as planned. Additionally, if Purdy underperforms, the trade market for him may not be robust, reducing the need to invoke the no-trade clause.
The 49ers Are Betting Big on Purdy
Agreeing to the no-trade clause signals the 49ers’ willingness to make concessions to retain Purdy, who has proven his potential since taking over as the starting quarterback late in the 2022 season. Despite a disappointing 2024 campaign, where the 49ers finished 6-9 and missed the playoffs due to injuries to key players, Purdy remains the team’s vision for the future. He led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2023 and is regarded as one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks.
This contract is not just a reward for Purdy’s achievements but a clear statement from the 49ers: they believe he is the quarterback who can lead them to championships. However, with an average annual salary of $53 million and the no-trade clause, the 49ers are making a significant gamble that Purdy will continue to grow and maintain consistent performance, regardless of the roster around him.
Long-Term Implications for the 49ers’ Strategy
With Purdy locked in through 2030, the 49ers can now focus on building a roster around him. His contract has a relatively low cap hit in 2025 (approximately $8.5 million), providing financial flexibility to sign free agents or extend stars like Fred Warner. However, starting in 2028, when Purdy’s salary cap impact grows significantly, the 49ers will need to carefully manage their cap space to maintain a competitive roster.
The no-trade clause also presents a strategic challenge. If Purdy fails to meet expectations or if the 49ers want to shift their offensive philosophy, they would need to negotiate with him or accept keeping a high-salary quarterback they cannot trade. This is a risk, but it also reflects the 49ers’ commitment to Purdy as an indispensable part of their future.
Conclusion
Brock Purdy’s contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers is not only a financial milestone but also includes a shocking detail: a full no-trade clause. This provision ensures that Purdy has significant control over his future, making it difficult for the 49ers to part ways with him, even if they choose to. With this deal, the 49ers have placed a substantial bet on Purdy’s talent and potential, but they’ve also positioned themselves in a way that the team’s success will heavily depend on his development in the years to come.