The San Francisco 49ers are eager to secure a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Both sides have expressed a desire for a smooth and—most importantly—swift negotiation process, aiming to avoid the prolonged offseason distractions that have plagued the team in recent years.
However, the two sides reportedly remain apart in their talks. NFL insider Jason La Canfora recently claimed that the 49ers' initial offer to Purdy was around $45 million per year, which wouldn't even place him among the NFL's 10 highest-paid quarterbacks.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated speculates that the 49ers would prefer to keep Purdy's annual salary in the 40s, while the quarterback's camp is likely pushing for something in the 50s. That said, the 49ers hold some leverage. Purdy remains under contract through 2025, and the team could use the franchise tag in 2026 and 2027, effectively keeping him in Santa Clara through 2027.
Of course, that's not their ideal scenario.
"I don't think they want to go into a contract year with him, but I don't think anything is off the table right now," Breer said Thursday on The Rich Eisen Show. "They've obviously got the franchise tag if they have to use it in 2026."
Breer also noted that the 49ers are feeling the financial salary cap strain, knowing they'll have to account for Purdy's eventual pay raise. That reality played a role in their willingness to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who will officially join the Washington Commanders on March 12. It's also why trade rumors continue to swirl around another high-priced wideout, Brandon Aiyuk, who signed a massive contract extension just last year.
"If somebody comes along and offers something great for Aiyuk, and he's got the ACL [and MCL injury] right now, would they listen? Sure," Breer said. "I think they're sort of open for business on any ideas. It doesn't mean their best players are all on the block, but I think they are listening."