The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face a pivotal decision in a few weeks. That's when they can start negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite some lackluster performances this season, the organization remains committed to keeping Purdy for the foreseeable future.
The pressing question is how much money Purdy will command. Will he enter top-of-the-market territory, or could he become the NFL's highest-paid player?
On Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reaffirmed that the 49ers are committed to locking Purdy into a long-term contract.
"The season has obviously not gone as they hoped and expected, leading to some questions, I guess, about whether or not Brock Purdy is still the guy," Rapoport said. "From what I am told, he is, in fact, still the guy. The 49ers still plan on locking Brock Purdy up on a long-term extension this coming offseason."
ESPN's Bill Barnwell predicts Purdy's next deal could reset the market.
"If the 49ers pay the going rate for a franchise quarterback next year, they're topping the deal Dak Prescott just inked with the Cowboys, which is north of $60 million per season," Barnwell recently wrote. "I suggested over the summer a Purdy deal would come in at five years and $325 million, or $65 million per year. That's still the number he and his agents are likely targeting."
Former NFL coach Ron Rivera, now an analyst for ESPN and Westwood One Radio, voiced his concerns about Purdy's market value during an interview with Dan Patrick.
"I'd be a little bit concerned with it," Rivera admitted. "He's a solid quarterback. He does some really good things. He really is, to me, in my estimation, a game manager. And by that, I mean he's a guy that as long as he protects the ball, takes care of the football, and takes what's there for him, he'll be very, very efficient.
"And he does have the ability to make plays when you need him to, and that's one of the things that I really like about him."
Rivera's comments followed Purdy's underwhelming performance against the Los Angeles Rams. The quarterback completed 14 of 31 pass attempts for 142 yards and an interception. The loss effectively derailed the 49ers' already slim playoff hopes.
Pro Football Focus gave Purdy his second-lowest grade of the season (45.4), highlighting struggles on deep throws—completing only one of eight such attempts for 33 yards.
"I thought, last night, he pressed a little bit," Rivera said. "I thought he did. I thought he tried to be too pinpoint accurate instead of just cutting the ball loose a couple of times. He underthrew a couple of balls that could have been caught for big, big plays.
"It's one of those things that, when you don't have all your tools, all your weapons, you feel like you've got to make all the plays."
The impact of Purdy's new deal will be felt for years, as it is expected to limit the 49ers' salary-cap flexibility. However, it will be worth the investment if the team believes Purdy can develop into an elite, game-changing passer. If not, the 49ers may face significant challenges in putting together competitive rosters.