During the NFL owners' meetings, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York noted the significant rise in quarterback salaries in recent years. However, he acknowledged the market value of such players, recognizing that he'll have to sign a substantial check for his young quarterback, Brock Purdy, next year.
York stated, "And to me, the quarterback is the most important position, not just in football, but in all sports, and those guys should be paid a lot."
Last week, Brock Purdy addressed York's comments, showing no concern about the financial implications that will arise next year. Instead, he emphasized his dedication to putting in the necessary work to improve and help the 49ers reach their ultimate goal during the upcoming season—a championship.
Purdy spoke to reporters today and was again asked about his financial future. Undoubtedly, the quarterback will become the 49ers' highest-paid player next year, but Purdy remains focused on the task at hand.
"I'm trying to win this year and do everything I can for this organization this year," Purdy stressed. "Everything else happens how it happens. But for me, I need to get better from last year, on the film, and the things that I saw from last year. My rookie year, it's like I've got this thing in me where I want to continue to master my craft, and that's that.
"It's a business, obviously, too. But for me, I love this game. I love just competing with these guys in this organization. I love this organization, and I want to continue to represent myself for them, and in the right way. So that's where I'm at with that. Getting too caught up in all that kind of stuff is, for me, that's nonsense. So, just taking it one day at a time and getting better."
Purdy has been spending a lot of time reviewing the film from last season, identifying key areas for improvement.
"And then, when I go out in the field and hammer away at the little details and the fundamentals, just with footwork, and timing, my eyes, concepts, all of it," Purdy said. "There's a lot of stuff that I think I can clean up and get better at, for sure. So, coming back here, it's been great sitting down with coaches and going over games and concepts, how I can continue to get better."
Purdy has the added benefit of having more film to review. The quarterback became a starter in December of his rookie campaign, resulting in fewer games played. He started 16 games last season, guiding the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Purdy is also healthy, unlike last offseason when he was recovering from surgery on his throwing arm.
"So obviously, it's good that we have a lot of film to watch, where in my rookie year, you have seven games or so, where it's like, these are things that came up, but also you got to rehab, get your arm healthy," Purdy commented. "Now, I can actually attack those things at practice and on the field, routes on air, all that kind of stuff, so I can sort of hone into trying to master my craft."
With the 2024 NFL Draft just three days away, Purdy serves as proof that every pick matters. Impact players can be found with the first or last overall pick, the latter of which was the case for Purdy in 2022.
"Obviously, I'm a big believer in it doesn't matter where you're drafted," Purdy declared. "It's what you do when you get there, with that opportunity. So that's my advice to guys that are drafted Day 3 or undrafted guys or whoever."
