The debate over how much the San Francisco 49ers should pay quarterback Brock Purdy is heating up this offseason. Some believe the 25-year-old will seek top-of-the-market money, while others argue he's worth significantly less.
Most analysts agree that Purdy's next contract will rank among the NFL's largest, though it's unlikely to surpass the $60 million annual average of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
During Tuesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN insider Adam Schefter explained why Purdy's deal might not be as costly as expected. He pointed out that both sides want to finalize an extension, but the 49ers have some leverage. Purdy is set to earn just over $5 million in 2025, and San Francisco could use the franchise tag on him for the next two years.
"So if you don't get a deal done with Brock Purdy, and you're the Niners, and again, this would not be what Brock Purdy would want, I would imagine, it's not what his agent would want, he would play for $5 million this year, $41 [million] next year, $51 [million] the year after," Schefter explained. "You're talking about $97-plus million over the next three years, which, for most people, would be incredible money, but not for a quarterback who's waiting to get paid.
"So the Niners have a bit of a cap issue, cash issue, and so they can't put Brock Purdy necessarily where he might [want to] be. They can go to a certain level they'd want to pay him, but it's not going to be, I would imagine, quite as high as most people think."
"Brock Purdy and the 49ers obviously wanna get a deal done..
The Niners have a bit of a cap issue right now so I don't imagine they can offer as much as some people think" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UMCSKniRPD
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 4, 2025
Schefter added that if the 49ers offered Purdy $50 million per year over the next three seasons, he'd earn $150 million. However, under the franchise tag scenario, he'd make about $97 million over the same span—significantly less.
"And then you'll have a chance to hit free agency in four years," Schefter continued. "You'll be a true free agent. And at that point, who knows what quarterbacks are being paid? Maybe it's $100 million a year."
Last week, general manager John Lynch reiterated the team's strong desire to extend Purdy but acknowledged the uncertainty of contract negotiations.
"He's played really well, and we know that, and we have every intention of making him our guy, and it's just coming to an agreement," Lynch said.
In three NFL seasons, Purdy has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, and a 104.9 passer rating.