The San Francisco 49ers overhauled their roster-building approach this offseason on the way to signing quarterback Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract in May. The massive deal, which made him the highest-paid player in team history, forced the 49ers to let several key veterans walk in free agency as they shifted resources around their franchise quarterback.
Coming off a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024, Purdy understands that with the contract comes heightened expectations. For the 49ers to bounce back and reclaim playoff and Super Bowl contender status in 2025, the young quarterback knows he must consistently deliver at a high level.
Some things won't change—like his preparation, work ethic, and leadership—but Purdy acknowledges that his new status brings added responsibility.
"I'm going to continue to do what's gotten me here, and that's being real, that's authentic, and going all in," Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area. "And I can lay down my life for my teammates by doing my job really well. But at the same time, obviously, the organization has put their faith and trust in me by paying me and being the highest-paid player on the team. And I'm so extremely appreciative of that.
"But with that comes some weight of, hey, let's continue to move this whole thing along and go chase a championship. And so, obviously, I want to elevate everybody else's game around me, and help continue to push the ball forward, but within all of that, I'm not going to lose who I am and what's gotten me here."
Purdy has already shown he can produce at a high level. In 2023, he set a franchise single-season passing record with 4,280 yards while throwing 31 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. His 2024 numbers were solid but dipped slightly—3,864 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions—as San Francisco struggled through a season of adversity.
The 2025 season will serve as a defining chapter. A strong year from Purdy could silence critics who argue he can only succeed when surrounded by elite talent. For Purdy, it's about proving he can elevate the entire offense.
"I think just, overall, being a consistent quarterback, playing a complete game, a full game," Purdy said. "For four quarters, can I make the right decisions over and over again? Can we stay on the field? Can we put up points? And help just push the envelope with our team in the right direction, elevate, like I said, other guys around me, and help them prosper into the player that they want to be.
"So, I think that's like my next step, but ... continue to do what I have done, and that's do my job really well at quarterback and find ways to win when we need it."