Imagine a kid picked last in a sandlot game, only to grow up and outshine every MVP candidate on the block. Brock Purdy’s story isn’t far off. The NFL’s ultimate underdog—dubbed Mr. Irrelevant as the 2022 draft’s final pick—has spent three years flipping the script from Who’s that guy? to How’s he doing that? And so, his new $265 million contract for five years only emphasizes what he means to the Niners today. According to reports, the deal includes $181 million in total guarantees and $165.05 million in the first three years!

Purdy’s $53 million annually puts him in the seventh position for the highest-earning QBs: Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Tua Tagovailoa. This is a big jump for Purdy, considering he made $2.6 million over his first three NFL seasons; He was the league’s 76th-highest-paid quarterback. Perhaps his elite passing efficiency numbers during his 36 career starts made it easier for the team to make the decision to give him a hefty paycheck. The QB completed 67.5% of his passes at an average of 8.9 yards per attempt, along with 64 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions.

While the 2024 season was disappointing for the 49ers and ended with a 6-11 record, Purdy’s production numbers also dropped, but GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan knew they wanted the QB for the long run. With the contract situation out of the way now, the signal-caller can turn his focus back to where it is needed the most. However, when the news of Brock Purdy’s contract extension became public, teammate-turned-rival Deebo Samuel had a message for him.

Posting a photo of the duo on Instagram, Samuel captioned, “Congrats, brother!!! Well deserved 🙏🏽🖤 @brock.purdy13.” The reaction was succinct but loaded—a nod to Purdy’s perseverance as he went from an afterthought to the face of the franchise. The deal, negotiated by agent Kyle Strongin, rockets Purdy to seventh among the NFL’s highest-paid QBs, eclipsing Jalen Hurts’ $51 million/year. However, critics argue  Purdy’s stats—3,864 yards, 20 TDs in 2024—don’t scream record deal. But context is key.

Last season, he dragged an injury-ravaged squad (minus Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk) to clutch wins, including a game-winning drive against Green Bay. Purdy is the engine, and without him, the offense falls flat. However, the 49ers’ offseason fire sale—shipping Deebo Samuel to the Commanders—raises eyebrows. Can Purdy thrive with a retooled roster? The contract suggests faith. But as any ’80s Raiders fan knows, big checks don’t always buy rings. Purdy’s extension isn’t just about money—it’s a cultural reset. For decades, teams chased prototypical QBs: big arms, bigger egos. Purdy, at 6’1” with a repaired elbow, defies the mold. His success rewrites the scouting playbook, proving that processing speed and poise trump combine stats. However, they need to build the team around him.

For instance, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks, and Jaylon Moore all found new homes; Thanks to free agency. Deebo Samuel and Jordan Mason were traded. Further, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd getting released left the defensive line depleted. So the 49ers have a lot of work to do. But getting back to Purdy: Is he the next Montana or just the latest QB to cash in before the curtain falls?

Brock Purdy’s contract: The ripple effect

Financially, the 49ers navigated cap gymnastics to keep Purdy’s hit manageable. By front-loading guarantees and leveraging void years, they preserved flexibility to reload around him. The strategy mirrors the Patriots’ Tom Brady-era blueprint: Pay the QB, but keep the supporting cast hungry.

As Purdy inks his deal, the 49ers’ gamble hinges on one question: Can he elevate a team no longer dripping with superstars? History offers mixed lessons. Peyton Manning thrived post-Marvin Harrison; Aaron Rodgers stumbled post-Davante Adams.

Purdy’s 2025 arsenal—George Kittle, 2nd year receiver Ricky Pearsall, McCaffrey—is thin. Yet Purdy’s knack for maximizing YAC (yards after catch) and dissecting defenses fits Shanahan’s scheme like a tailored suit. His playoff résumé (4-2 record, 1 INT) screams big-game poise.

The 49ers bet $265 million that the kid once deemed irrelevant can end their 31-year title drought. In a league obsessed with arm talent and numbers, Purdy’s rise is a triumph of intangibles: leadership, IQ, resolve.

Can Purdy turn fairy dust into Lombardi Trophies—or will the 49ers’ faith crash like a dot-com bubble? The answer starts in Week 1.