The San Francisco 49ers are playing a high-stakes game of chess. And it’s all centered around one move: securing Brock Purdy’s future. With key players slipping through their fingers and a quieter-than-usual offseason, it might look like the team’s in trouble. But in reality, they’re making a calculated sacrifice, preparing to drop big bucks on their quarterback to lock him in as the face of their franchise. In a rare moment of transparency, 49ers owner Jed York pulled back the curtain, revealing that all these roster changes are part of a bigger, long-term play.

And that plan? It’s all about Brock Purdy. Jed York straight-up admitted that the team is making “sacrifices” to clear the way for Purdy’s upcoming payday. “We knew that we had to make sacrifices around the roster to make sure that you can pay a quarterback,” York told NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo at the league’s annual meetings. “It’s just math.” In other words, the Niners are tightening their wallets now so they can drop the bag on their QB later.

Brock Purdy’s rookie deal has one year left, and while the 49ers could slow-play negotiations, owner Jed York is itching to get it done. “I think (contract talks have) been good,” York said. “He’s got to make a decision with what he wants to do. I don’t think we’re that far apart. I think we can sit down and get something done. Whenever he’s ready, we’re ready.”

Optimistic? Sure. But if it’s that close, why hasn’t the paperwork been BBQed at Levi’s Stadium yet?

Cue the NFL contract cha-cha: Purdy’s camp is side-eyeing the QB market (hello, Trevor Lawrence’s $55M/year deal), while the Niners are sweating cap math. York’s vibe? Chill. But until Purdy’s signature dries? Nervous laughter.

And then York casually nuked the room with this gem: “Last year, Brock Purdy was the 30th highest-paid college quarterback… When guys with NIL are making more than a third-year NFL pro, there’s something wrong with the system with not being able to extend guys earlier in the NFL.” Translation: Purdy’s been earning couch-cushion money compared to college stars, and the Niners want to fix it.

But this isn’t just about cash. York’s got visions: “We want to make sure that Brock is a long-term partner. We want to make sure that he’s a part of our team for a long time.” So, the 49ers are remodeling their entire franchise around the guy who went from ‘Mr. Irrelevant‘ to ‘Mr. Everything.’

So… when’s the deal dropping? York’s ready to sign “whenever he’s ready,” but until then? Cue the NFL contract negotiation ASMR video of pens not clicking.

Shanahan hopes Purdy won’t hold out, but it’s complicated

As Brock Purdy’s contract talks crawl through the offseason, Niners fans are side-eyeing the calendar: Are we headed for another Nick Bosa/Trent Williams-style holdout? Big deals often bleed into training camp, but Kyle Shanahan’s crossing his fingers this won’t turn into a QB soap opera. The front office is working on it, but progress is slow, and Purdy’s future? Still TBD.

When asked if Purdy might skip camp, Shanahan kept it real but refused to panic: “I hope not. I know Brock doesn’t want to do that. We don’t want him to do that. No one wants to do that, but these are negotiations that go on between agents and our organization, and it’s over a lot of money. Those aren’t things that you just knock out right away. But I believe that we will. I hope that we do. Hopefully, it won’t come between any football stuff.” Translation: Let’s not freak out… yet. Shanny gets the grind of NFL deals, but he’s praying this doesn’t turn into a staredown.

But here’s the kicker—Shanahan’s no stranger to holdout headaches. “Mac Jones would take the first-string reps in training camp,” he said, casually dropping a hypothetical nuke. “And if he looks good in the 49ers’ system, the 49ers just might not feel as desperate to pay Purdy every penny that he wants.” Oof. So, if Purdy sits, suddenly, the ‘Mr. Irrelevant‘ magic feels less urgent. Is Mac Jones slinging dimes in practice? That’s leverage crumbling faster than a stale cookie.

It’s a high-stakes poker game. Purdy’s camp wants the bag, the Niners want a discount, and Shanahan’s just trying to avoid a QB controversy. Will this end with handshakes or a full-blown holdout? “I believe that we will [get it done],” Shanahan insists. But until then? Grab the popcorn. This drama’s got twists.