San Francisco 49ers fans are all too familiar with lengthy, drawn-out contract negotiations. The team didn't finalize recent deals with defensive end Nick Bosa and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk until just before the start of their respective regular seasons, with both players missing valuable training camp time, resulting in sluggish starts.
The 49ers hope to avoid a similar situation with quarterback Brock Purdy, who is eligible for his first contract extension. After three seasons as one of the NFL's best bargains as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy is preparing to transition from his modest rookie salary to becoming one of the league's highest-paid players.
Reaching a deal quickly is crucial for an offseason in which the 49ers aim to restock their roster and rebound from a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024.
"For both the 49ers and Purdy, the sooner a deal can get done, the better," reporter Nick Wagoner shared in a feature for ESPN. "The cost certainty that comes with a completed deal would allow the 49ers to better gauge how much they have to spend and how aggressive they can be when it comes to putting resources into the offensive and defensive lines, the two areas that need the most attention."
Most expect the 49ers to address those needs in the draft, which is loaded with pass-rushing talent. That could allow the team to focus on the interior defensive line or offensive tackle with the 11th overall pick.
Ideally, the 49ers would finalize Purdy's deal before free agency begins next month, giving them clarity on their available resources and how aggressive they can be in pursuing veteran talent.
"Of course, deals the magnitude of Purdy's aren't easy to pull off, and if it drags out, it could make for a difficult offseason in San Francisco," Wagoner concluded.