$65 million per season, lot of money for a quarterback
While the San Francisco 49ers figure out what to do with Brandon Aiyuk and, as of this week, Trent Williams in regard to salary cap spending, we know there’s an even bigger money question on the horizon for next year: Brock Purdy
We’ve been making some guesses on how much Purdy is worth. Whether you think he’s a top-five, top-10, or ridiculously overrated quarterback, the fact remains: he has been to the NFC Championship—or better— in each of his first two seasons. That little historical nugget leads to large paydays.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell did a massive (and I mean massive) deep dive on Brock Purdy’s play, the quarterback market, and a bunch of relevant variables that go with what an extension may entail. Barnwell has him at a five-year $325 million extension which gets him $65 million per year.
KP discussed how nothing in regards to money should be surprising when talking about Brock Purdy and a contract extension. At the end of the post linked above, it’s mentioned we were trending towards $300 million if Purdy remains healthy. Well, now we’re over $300 million, and if the quarterback market in 2025 goes bonkers like the wide receiver market did this year, expect a few more hurdles before this is all said and done.
The one thing Barnwell doesn’t go too much into detail is guarantees. As you have learned over the last few years, it’s all in the guarantees. And if Purdy’s play continues, he’s probably going to want all of that contract guaranteed. Especially when he’s been on the NFL-equivelant salary of a paper boy the last couple seasons.
We might see this sooner than later. Purdy can have an extension when the NFL postseason begins and it might be beneficial for the 49ers to get something done early rather than after, especially if Purdy were to win another Super Bowl. Then the number goes even higher.
The problem with all that is that looming NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit that may impact the salary cap. While it’d be ideal to get things done before Purdy becomes even more valuable (or the market goes ballistic), if that lawsuit settlement is still ongoing, the 49ers may have to wait. As of this writing, the NFL is looking at paying out billions. Billions that will no doubt impact the salary cap and ultimately Purdy’s deal.
As a fan, all I can say is “only the 49ers would have delays in a QB extension resetting the market due to a massive league-wide lawsuit”.