Last week, NFL insider Jason La Canfora seemingly reported that the San Francisco 49ers' first offer to Brock Purdy was a contract extension averaging $45 million annually—well below market value for quarterbacks and a figure that wouldn't even make Purdy a top-10 paid player.
However, a couple of days ago, Dianna Russini of The Athletic refuted La Canfora's report on her podcast, Scoop City, calling it false.
"That is false," Russini told her co-host, Chase Daniel. "That would be disrespectful, and that did not happen. That's not true. That's not true. That did not happen. They did not offer $45 million."
After scanning the room to see what she had on hand, Russini added that she would bet her phone the report was inaccurate.
Others have suggested that the 49ers have significant leverage in negotiations, as Purdy is under contract for about $5 million in 2025. The team could also utilize the franchise tag for two years after that, which could pay Purdy $97 million over three years.
Still, Russini doesn't believe the 49ers will take that route.
"I think they are going to get this deal done," she continued. "I just don't think it's going to be as easy as I was expecting this to be. So we're gonna have to just wait and see as they continue to negotiate. At least the conversations are going.
"I think sometimes when you start these negotiations, everybody comes in hot. Everyone's got an attitude about it. Everyone's got an idea of what they want. Everyone wants to win it. Cooler heads prevail. Some time goes by, and conversations start to happen."
Russini concluded that the 49ers likely want to avoid the drama that has characterized recent offseasons with big-name contract negotiations.
"I feel good that they'll try to iron this out and get something done," she said. "And we'll start the season with Brock Purdy being a very well-paid quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers."
You can listen to the entire podcast below. The portion about Purdy begins at about the 48-minute mark.