With reduced salary-cap flexibility, the 49ers now have less money to spend on other positions. While the team managed to retain key cornerstones, such as tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner, they also had to part ways with several contributors who left for more lucrative deals.
Whether anyone inside the building admits it or not, the pressure on Purdy has increased. The 49ers will now lean more heavily on the 24-year-old to elevate the offense and guide the team through adverse situations. While injuries derailed the 49ers' 2024 campaign, resulting in a disappointing 6-11 finish, Purdy wasn't able to carry the team as it struggled.
ESPN's Dan Graziano believes Purdy's continued development will be key to the 49ers' future success. In fact, it may depend on it.
"The whole plan indicates that they'll be asking even more of Purdy, who has been more than they ever could have expected when they took him with the last pick of the 2022 draft," Graziano wrote. "This roster still has Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner, so it's not like it's all on Purdy's shoulders. But this offseason of change is a sign of things to come.
"Those guys won't all be around forever, and the pivot into the future will depend on Purdy's ability to continue to deliver as a high-level franchise QB -- even as the pieces around him shift and change."
Despite the increased expectations, head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear that Purdy's contract doesn't change what he expects from his quarterback.
"I want him to be the leader he's always been," Shanahan said in May. "There's no worse thing to do than ask people to do something extra just because of their contract. That's when you start making stuff up. Brock's earned his contract, and he's going to earn what he gets going forward."
All eyes will be on Purdy as the 49ers enter a pivotal season, looking to bounce back and reclaim their status as NFL contenders.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers-Titans: Brock Purdy turns in strong performance, with one 'dumb' moment
Brock Purdy was at his best for the San Francisco 49ers in their 37-24 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, even if he hated part of the play that turned out to be one of his most entertaining highlights. Purdy finished with 295 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-30... -
49ers' Brock Purdy reveals truth about his game-day mindset
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy looks like he's having fun again—and there's a good reason why. The 49ers extended their winning streak to four games on Sunday with a 37-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans, improving to 10-4 and strengthening their playoff... -
49ers teammate reveals how Brock Purdy's return boosts the team
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is certainly benefiting from Brock Purdy's return to the lineup following the quarterback's lengthy recovery from a turf toe injury. Since Purdy reclaimed his starting role, Jennings has been on a scoring tear, finding the end... -
49ers' Brock Purdy plays 'close to a perfect game' in five-TD win vs. Colts
Brock Purdy delivered one of the most impressive performances by a quarterback in San Francisco 49ers history during Monday night's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Purdy became the first 49ers quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a game since Steve Young in Super...