Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn't mince words when reacting to the San Francisco 49ers signing quarterback Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract extension, an average of $53 million per year. According to Houshmandzadeh, that price tag is too steep for a player who, in his view, failed to prove he can carry a team through adversity.

The 49ers dealt with a slew of injuries during the 2024 season and ended with a disappointing 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.


"I believe they did overpay for Brock Purdy," Houshmandzadeh said on FS1's Speak. "I would have given Brock Purdy $47 million a year. That would have been the most I'm giving him."


Houshmandzadeh emphasized that Purdy's performance last season didn't inspire the kind of confidence you'd expect from an elite NFL quarterback.

"We needed you last year," he explained. "You went 1-6 against playoff teams, when we had guys [who were hurt]. [RB] Christian McCaffrey was out, [LT] Trent Williams was out, [WR Brandon] Aiyuk got hurt, and you couldn't really get it done.

"I think Brock Purdy is a hell of a quarterback, but I'm not giving you money when you show me, when we need you to take over, you can't take over. [When] we need you to carry us, you can't carry us."

Still, Houshmandzadeh acknowledged that similar criticisms were once directed at Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is now viewed as underpaid after leading his team to a Super Bowl win. Purdy could follow a similar path to prove he's worth the massive investment.


"If Brock Purdy takes the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, and they win it, then his contract is well worth it," Houshmandzadeh said. "Until he does that, he's overpaid."

It's worth noting that Houshmandzadeh has a bit of inside perspective on the 49ers offense, having worked with Aiyuk in the past as a personal coach.

All eyes will be on Purdy in 2025, especially with some projecting another tough season following the team's offseason roster overhaul. If the fourth-year quarterback can deliver a strong performance, he may finally quiet the doubters.

Purdy, for his part, isn't too concerned about outside noise. Last week, he admitted he finds some of the criticism amusing. As the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he's used to being underestimated.

"That's been the story of my life," Purdy said, "from being a late recruit from high school to college, to the last draft pick, that's the story of my life. And I guess that's part of my story, but I just continue to be who I am and not compare myself."

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