NFL insider Mike Garafolo recently weighed in on the contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy during a segment on The Insiders (h/t Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated). Talks remain ongoing, with both sides reportedly far apart on a fair salary. A deal isn't expected until after the draft.
It's only March, so there is little reason for concern at this point. However, the 49ers have a history of prolonged contract negotiations with star players, and both sides had hoped to avoid the type of drama that has plagued past offseasons.
Currently, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott earns the league's highest annual salary at $60 million. Garafolo doesn't expect Purdy to reach that mark but can envision him aiming for a figure in the high $50 million range, surpassing quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.
Garafolo also pointed out that Purdy likely understands that pushing for a record-breaking contract could hinder the 49ers' ability to build a competitive roster around him. Just look at this offseason, with the team parting ways with several key contributors to make room for future financial commitments—including Purdy's.
"But he wants his respect, and he wants money that's in line with those other quarterbacks," Garafolo explained. "So, I don't see this getting done until the 49ers and Brock Purdy agree on a number that's close to Dak Prescott. Not all the way there, but close to Dak Prescott. Purdy saying, 'That's fair,' but it also still gives the team and [GM] John Lynch the opportunity to do things elsewhere on the roster."
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: Based on recent QB contract extensions in relation to the salary cap, Brock Purdy has a strong case to make for a deal that comes close to Dak Prescott's $60 million per year. pic.twitter.com/7T2wfz21kf
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2025
To be clear, Garafolo isn't reporting this as a definitive demand from Purdy's camp but instead making an educated assumption, likely based on insights from his numerous sources.
While the annual salary will dominate discussions once a deal is finalized, the structure of the contract—particularly the guaranteed money—will be even more critical. Josh Allen's recent deal included a staggering $250 million in guarantees, with $147 million fully guaranteed. How Purdy's contract is structured will play a pivotal role in shaping the 49ers' financial future.