As the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 season winds down, all eyes are shifting toward what could be the offseason's biggest storyline: Brock Purdy's contract extension. The topic has already generated significant buzz, with many experts predicting that Purdy will reset the quarterback market. After all, that's often the nature of NFL quarterback deals.
However, some fans remain skeptical. They point to Purdy's inconsistencies in certain games—like Thursday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams—and question whether he truly deserves a record-breaking deal.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero joined the Rich Eisen Show on Friday and weighed in on the Purdy situation, offering his perspective on what to expect.
"With Brock Purdy, I think you have to look at it in the aggregate here," Pelissero told Eisen. "In his short career, because he took over as a seventh-round pick, and took over late in the 2022 season, he's already got 13 games with 120 passer rating, which is the most of any player ever over their first three seasons here. The efficiency numbers are really strong on him, and he's been a part of four playoff wins."
Pelissero emphasizes that the 49ers have found a way to win most of their games with Purdy under center—before this season, that is.
"If a deal is going to get done, I would anticipate it is at the top of the quarterback market for all the reasons that I just said," Pelissero said. "Right now, that Dak's (Prescott of the Cowboys) number. That is $60 million per year. Are the 49ers willing to go to that or are they going to be in a situation where you could have a standoff with your starting quarterback into the offseason here?"
Pelissero also dismissed the notion of Purdy accepting a sub-market deal, adding that the quarterback has every reason to push for top dollar. The quarterback could play hardball if the negotiations don't go as hoped.
"But I don't think this is a, 'Hey, we're going to make you the 10th-highest-paid quarterback,' and Brock Purdy just saying, 'Hey, where do I sign?'" Pelissero added. "Based upon his production, based on the playoff success, I'm sure he feels like he deserves to be paid at the top of the market."
As the offseason approaches, and with postseason hopes dashed, 49ers fans are bracing for what promises to be an intriguing negotiation process and the many opinions that will accompany it.