Brock Purdy, currently on a modest 4-year, $3.7 million contract, is set to become eligible for a contract extension when the San Francisco 49ers‘ season wraps up on January 5, 2025. While experts initially projected a lucrative deal in the $50 to $60 million range annually, recent developments have cast doubt on whether Purdy’s performance justifies such a figure. His current deal is one of the lowest among NFL quarterbacks, and a significant raise would place him in the league’s top five in terms of average annual salary.
However, the 49ers’ disappointing 6-10 season and Purdy’s uneven play have fueled skepticism. Analyst Jason Whitlock didn’t mince words, calling a $60 million per year deal “insane.” On his YouTube channel, Whitlock stated, “The San Francisco 49ers would be absolutely insane to pay Brock Purdy $60 million a year. Hey man, Brock Purdy is a nice quarterback. He’s like Dak Prescott. He is not worth $60 million a year.” Whitlock also warned that such a contract could create tension in the locker room.
Brock Purdy gives special X-mas gifts to his OL
Statistically, Purdy’s 2024 season hasn’t been disastrous but falls short of elite QB standards. He’s thrown for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, earning a QB rating of 67.8. While respectable, these numbers haven’t translated into wins for the 49ers, raising questions about his value. Adding to the uncertainty is an ankle injury Purdy sustained during a game against the Detroit Lions, which analyst Rich Eisen believes could influence the team’s decision.
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Despite these challenges, head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed unwavering faith in his quarterback. “He hasn’t run from anything. He’s attacked everything, plays as hard as he can… and comes back and grinds, trying to get better each week,” Shanahan said after the Lions game. With the playoffs out of reach, Shanahan also noted that Purdy is unlikely to play against the Cardinals, prioritizing his recovery over a now-meaningless game.
Those advocating for a middle-ground contract closer to $50-$55 million point to Purdy’s stellar 2023-24 season, where he achieved a passer rating of 113.0 with 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His leadership propelled the 49ers to the Super Bowl, where they narrowly lost to the Chiefs. While this season has been rocky, many believe Purdy’s prior success and resilience still warrant a substantial raise-just not at the extreme end of projections.
