“$60 million for Brock Purdy? I don’t feel comfortable with that,” former QB Chris Simms didn’t have to say much about his opinion on Brock Purdy’s contract extension. At a crossroads after a disappointing season, the former Iowa State QB had always been one who had to prove himself. Since his arrival in San Francisco in 2022, he went from “Mr. Irrelevant” to defying expectations by becoming the 49ers’ franchise quarterback who led them to the NFC Championship first, and then to the Super Bowl the next year. But as contract talks loom in 2025, Purdy may face another uphill battle—this time, against his own front office. GM Jordan Lynch has “every intention” of keeping him, but not without a note of caution saying, “There’s no guarantees.” And going by the recent developments, it looks like Purdy getting a deal that he wants seems somewhat suspect.

The 2024 campaign was tough for the 49ers as well as Purdy. The team finished 6-11 and Purdy was 6-9 as the starter. He threw for 3,864 yards and had 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 65.9 percent of his passes and taking 31 sacks. These numbers were poorer than this 2023 season and it has left the 49ers with a dilemma. He is in the last year of his $3.74 million, four-year rookie contract with the Niners, and teams generally offer their key players an extension with a year left on the contract. While the negotiations are underway, Purdy’s camp may feel lowballed by the franchise.

San Francisco has put an offer of $45 million per season on the table as per NFL reporter Jason La Canfora. “49ers playing hardball with Purdy is very on brand. Starting your offers at $45M a year is something,” he posted on X.

Now, $45M is still a lot of money, right? It would tie Purdy for 12th in average annual value at the quarterback position with Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins, sounds fair? But let’s have a closer look.

Mahomes signed his deal back in 2020 and that agreement is no longer a reflection of the current QB market value. It is likely that the Chiefs and their star QB could rework a deal as early as 2026. Then, we have Kirk Cousins. The Falcons signed Cousins on a $180 million four-year deal last year and that was at a time when he was recovering from an injury. Not to mention, Cousins is 36 years old.

Purdy is only 25 and is not coming off any significant injury. On top of that, he has also led his team to a Super Bowl appearance. So does he hold any leeway?

He will earn just over $5 million in 2025, and San Francisco can apply the franchise tag for the next two years. This would give him about $97 million over the next three years, way below what Purdy and his representatives desire. Even the current offer of $45 million a year falls below their expectations. The QB and his camp would likely prefer an offer that puts him at $50 million per year, which would be top 10 at his position. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers’ finances present a tricky situation when it comes to any big deal for Purdy.

“I think Brock Purdy certainly could [make $50 million per year], but that’s a question if they get that deal done,” Schefter said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “You’re talking about $97-plus million over the next three years, which for most people would be incredible money — but not for a quarterback who’s waiting to get paid. So the Niners have a bit of a cap issue, a cash issue, so they can’t put Brock Purdy necessarily where he might be. They can go to a certain level where they’d want to pay him, but it’s not going to be, I’d imagine, quite as high as most people think.”

Right now, Dak Prescott at the Cowboys is on a $60 million-a-year deal and it appears difficult that the 49ers would be willing to pay Purdy that amount of money for an extended contract. While the 49ers would want to keep Purdy by offering him a deal that lives up to his expectations, their salary cap situation is challenging.

Top Comment by Anonymous

Not fair at all I’m not niners fan but kid has done way better than bum we have in Dallas

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The franchise has some of the highest paid at their positions in defensive end Nick Bosa ($20.5 million), left tackle Trent Williams ($21.7 million) and fullback Kyle Juszczyk ($27 million). Meanwhile, running back Christian McCaffrey is the highest-paid player in his position with scheduled cap figures of $9.4 million this year, $11.9 million in 2026, and $27.5 million in 2027.

Still, the 49ers do want to keep Purdy and the player might also be keen to work under Kyle Shanahan. The franchise would like to work out a more cost-effective deal for themselves and if that doesn’t work out, letting him run out his rookie deal and signing a new QB to compete with him doesn’t sound too unrealistic.

Notably, the 49ers have not signed a quarterback to a second contract since Garoppolo signed a five-year $137 million extension in 2018. So, if anything, history suggests that the 49ers hold all the cards in this situation.

The news of the 49ers’ $45 million-a-year offer to Purdy comes after GM Lynch confirmed that the negotiations are underway on February 26. Lynch was clear that they have an intended target for the new deal and hoped to close it out soon. “He’s played really well, and we know that, and we have every intention of making him our guy, and it’s just coming to an agreement. The great news with the [NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement] and all that: He’s going to be with us.”

Purdy has a deal for one more season, giving the 49ers some room to work with if talks go south. As mentioned earlier, the team has the franchise tag available, hence right now Purdy is not in a strong position especially coming off after a poor season. As Lynch mentioned, “There’s no guarantees — but we’re going to endeavor to get it done.” 

There is a desire from the franchise to retain their starting QB, but it seems they won’t be pushed around for an amount that they don’t want to pay. Right now, their offer stands at $45 million and while there could be room for negotiations, it is hard to see them giving Purdy a Prescott-type deal.

Since being selected as the last pick of the 2022 Draft, Purdy has shrugged off the “Mr. Irrevleant” tag and proven to be a reliable quarterback. Over three seasons, he has completed 67.5% of his passes for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, and holds a passer rating of 104.9. But now, the franchise face a decision with him that could shape their future.

While the Niners look to work out an ideal scenario with Purdy, a former player has a message for Kyle Shanahan.

Advice for Shanahan amid Brock Purdy’s contract negotiations

Ever since Tom Brady and Pete Carroll took command of the Raiders, people have been hoping to see a new Raiders team this season. Not that they are going to win the Lombardi straight away, but you’re all hoping for a better team. Fans are putting their faith in what they are doing because they have the experience. Brady and Pete know well how things work in this league.

Raiders GM John Spytek said that the franchise will seek Brady’s advice as they move forward this upcoming season. So, what if the Niners also get a piece of advice from somebody who knows the league? Before you start thinking, no, they are not hiring anybody. But a former quarterback has a few suggestions for Kyle Shanahan and the team.

Steve Young, the three-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, and Niners Hall of Fame QB, made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. He highlighted areas where Kyle Shanahan and the Niners could improve. First on the list? The O-line. “They have got to have them a top-five offensive line. They’ve got to develop it now,” said Steve. 

The 63-year-old added how the O-line players have to play even above their expectations. “Ricky Pearsall has got to become a top-10 receiver. Jauan Jennings is in the top 10. These guys have to be huge threats, and George Kittle has to stay healthy. And then, you’ve got to have Christian McCaffrey 1,000% ready to play and be the MVP of the league. That’s the storyline of how you get back,” added Steve. A strong O-line is vital for any team.

That’s the mantra Steve gave to Kyle Shanahan before stepping into the next season. Now, it will be interesting to see how the HC shapes all these players. But for now, everyone is waiting for the final episode of Brock Purdy’s contract saga.