One of the biggest storylines for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason will undoubtedly be the contract extension negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy. Entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, Purdy is set to earn a modest salary of just over $1 million in 2025 — a bargain by NFL standards.
That bargain is about to end. Most expect Purdy to secure a massive pay raise in 2025, likely receiving the largest contract in 49ers history and becoming one of the NFL's highest-paid players. The question remains: how close will his new deal come to the top-tier contracts of players like Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who averages $60 million annually?
After a record-breaking 2023 season in which Purdy threw for a franchise-best 4,280 passing yards, many believed he was on track to earn a top-tier deal. However, a more modest statistical performance in 2024 has sparked debates about his true value.
Purdy will undoubtedly become a very wealthy man this offseason. But will his annual salary approach Prescott's lofty $60 million mark, or land closer to $40-50 million?
According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, two team insiders recently weighed in on the situation. Radio announcers Greg Papa and Tim Ryan, who have unique access to the 49ers as the team's game broadcasters, believe the organization is hesitant to give Purdy a market-resetting deal.
Branch highlighted Ryan's remarks from last week, suggesting the 49ers aren't in a rush to finalize an extension and could pursue a more team-friendly contract.
"I don't think starting today it's all about 'How do they get Brock done in the next five months, and is it going to be the richest contract in pro football for quarterbacks?'" Ryan said, as reported by Branch. "My opinion is that is not going to be the first priority."
Papa echoed a similar sentiment, noting that the 49ers will cautiously approach Purdy's contract. While injuries significantly contributed to the team's disappointing 6-11 record, Purdy's inconsistent play didn't help his case, as he could not carry the 49ers through their struggles.
Papa suggested the 49ers might be more willing to offer a long-term deal, so long as the financial impact is less than most expect.
"If there's a workable number they could get him signed to — in the low 40s average annual value — they may pursue that," Papa said. "But do you want to do one where the average annual value is in the 50s? Or maybe approaching Dak Prescott, and you're in the 60s? Then you have to go through your roster … Who's coming off the roster? What positions will be marginalized because the quarterback is making so much money?"
Branch points out that Purdy is unlikely to entertain offers below $45 million annually, considering quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars are making more. Purdy, in comparison, has accomplished significantly more in his short NFL career, including leading the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance.
Purdy will cash in this offseason, but the debate over how much he deserves to earn rages on.