Critics may argue that Brock Purdy's stock dropped in 2024, as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback couldn't replicate the impressive, record-breaking performance he posted the year before. In 2023, Purdy set a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards while throwing 31 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. Of course, this achievement came with an abundance of playmakers surrounding him, making his job easier.
Fans were eager to see how Purdy would perform in 2024, but he struggled at times. He finished the season with 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—respectable numbers, but a decline from 2023's statistics. Purdy's passer rating dropped from a league-leading 113.0 in 2023 to 96.1 in 2024.
Injuries sidelined several of his playmakers, and the 49ers ended the season with a disappointing 6-11 record, finishing last in the NFC West.
Naturally, this decline has sparked debate over Purdy's contract extension and how much the 49ers should commit to their young quarterback. Purdy is set to become one of the NFL's highest-paid players, but will his average salary fall around $50 million per year, or will it approach the top of the market—Dak Prescott's $60 million annual average?
While Purdy's 2024 numbers may not have been extraordinary, one Pro Football Focus (PFF) writer was still impressed by the 49ers quarterback's level of play (h/t Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated).
"Purdy headlined the list of players playing above their pay grade in October, and he maintained that level of excellence throughout the 2024 season," Bradley Locker wrote. "His 82.4 PFF overall grade slotted 10th among qualifying quarterbacks, and he's reached a 75.1 PFF passing grade or better every season since his debut in 2022."
In 2023, Purdy earned a Pro Football Focus passing grade above 70.0 in 10 regular-season games. In 2024, he achieved that in just six games. While he only had two regular-season games with a passing grade below 60.0 in 2023, he hit that mark five times in 2024.
Of course, losing key offensive weapons played a role in Purdy's reduced numbers. Critics may argue that he couldn't carry the team through adversity and, as a result, may not deserve a market-setting contract. However, Locker doesn't necessarily agree with that assessment.
"The former 263rd overall pick will soon become one of the NFL's highest-paid players — it's only a matter of if he will tie Dak Prescott at $60 million per year," Locker concluded.
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