While it seems unlikely that Purdy will reset the quarterback market by surpassing Dak Prescott's $60 million annual salary with the Dallas Cowboys, one salary cap expert believes that a record-breaking contract is a real possibility.
"I would imagine he's going to look to be the highest-paid player in the NFL," OverTheCap.com's Jason Fitzgerald told Ari Meirov on the NFL Spotlight podcast. "So I think they're probably looking at $60.1 million a year, just to go right over Dak Prescott."
Fitzgerald acknowledged that Purdy could settle for less. Although, the 49ers have benefited from one of the NFL's biggest bargains over the past three years, with Purdy playing on the rookie contract he signed as the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
"Maybe he would go for a little bit less," Fitzgerald said. "He doesn't have the draft stature to fall back on like some others. But, I think, given his track record over that period of time, and the fact that he really saved them from a bad trade, [that he gets a massive deal]."
That "bad trade" refers to the 49ers' costly move to select quarterback Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft, surrendering significant draft capital in the process. Lance never panned out in San Francisco, and injuries in 2022 thrust Purdy into the starting role, where he has remained since.
"I don't know where they would be right now if Trey Lance was the quarterback, but I'm not sure if the head coach would be the head coach," Fitzgerald commented. "I doubt the general manager would be the general manager if that happened. So, I don't think they even want that kind of uncertainty."
The 49ers are coming off a disappointing six-win season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. While Purdy set a franchise record with 4,280 passing yards, tossing 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2023, his 2024 numbers were far less impressive. He finished with 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions this past season.
Fitzgerald wrapped up his thoughts with a simple conclusion: "I think you just do the deal and say, 'It's the price of doing business with a quarterback these days.' It's not worth getting into a fight over him."
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