Many are debating what the San Francisco 49ers will pay quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers are currently working on a contract extension with Purdy. While some believe Purdy, who was barely drafted, isn't worth the enormous contract many at his position deserve, others believe the young signal-caller is worth whatever the market dictates.
Most 49ers fans want Purdy to be paid handsomely. However, there is also the concern that making Purdy one of the highest-paid players in the league could make it more challenging to build a strong roster around him. San Francisco believes Purdy is their franchise QB. But what will they be willing to pay him?
ESPN's Dan Graziano is the latest to share his thoughts on Purdy and the 49ers during this Super Bowl weekend. While he didn't predict what Purdy would make, he gave some insight into what the 49ers might be thinking.
"The contract negotiations between the 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy will be closely watched this offseason, as the last pick of the 2022 draft is finally eligible for an extension after three years as the league's top bargain," Graziano wrote. "And opinions vary on where the Purdy contract will land.
"Some point out that he has a case to be paid at least as much as the $55 million that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence makes annually; unlike Purdy, Lawrence didn't take his team to two conference title games and a Super Bowl through his first three seasons. Plus, Purdy's 70.1 QBR is the league's fourth-highest over the past three years, behind only Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Jayden Daniels."
There's no doubt that Purdy has outplayed his current rookie contract. And he has far exceeded what anyone thought he would accomplish in the NFL. Still, plenty of people believe the 49ers hold most of the cards, not Purdy.
"Others point out that the Niners have leverage in their ability to franchise-tag Purdy in 2026 and 2027," Graziano added. "Plus, Purdy is earning only about $5.2 million in 2025, which might make him more eager to get a deal done at something closer to the 49ers' offered number."
That would make the team's fanbase happy. If the 49ers can sign Purdy to a more team-friendly deal, then perhaps there might be a chance they can make a run for someone like Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, who wants to be traded to a contender. Regardless, the 49ers cannot allow the negotiations with Purdy to go on too long. They can't afford to have Purdy holding out for any portion of the offseason.
Graziano continued, "But while the 49ers can sometimes take a while to get these things done, they haven't been afraid of paying players such as Bosa and Brandon Aiyuk at or near the top of the market for their respective positions. If Purdy wants to push it and stand on his record relative to his peers, don't be shocked if his eventual extension ends up averaging more than Lawrence's $55 million."
If the 49ers end up paying Purdy in the mid-to-high 50s or even the low 60s, how will that impact them moving forward? It's a question the front office needs to figure out soon.