In April 2021, the San Francisco 49ers made a strategic decision by selecting quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick in the NFL draft. Lance was seen as the future of the franchise, but fate had other plans.
The 49ers’ strategy focused on having a quarterback with a rookie contract, which allowed for investment in building a competitive team. The hope was that this formula would lead the team to win the Super Bowl.
However, it was Brock Purdy, and not Lance, who became the team’s starter in 2022. Purdy, with a modest salary as the last draft pick, led the 49ers to two NFC Championship appearances, including one victory. Although the team did not achieve its sixth Super Bowl title, Purdy’s management proved to be valuable.
We chose him as the last draft pick and he has served us well.
John Lynch, General Manager
Now, Purdy’s rookie contract has expired, and he has signed a five-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, ensuring his stay with the team until after the 2030 season. This makes Purdy the highest-paid player in franchise history, marking the end of the “cheap quarterback + expensive roster” strategy.
Although the numbers of his initial contract are manageable, the 49ers are now in Purdy’s hands. The days when Purdy was considered a bargain in the sports world are over, and now he must prove that he can perform at the level of a top-seven-paid NFL quarterback.
The 2025 season could be the key moment for Purdy to prove his worth, especially with the league’s more favorable schedule. Key players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Brandon Aiyuk are expected to return from injuries, and George Kittle, after signing a contract extension, will continue to be one of Purdy’s favorite targets.
If Purdy manages to approach his 2023 level of play, he will prove that he is the quarterback the team has relied on for almost two decades.
Purdy must prove that he is, as owner Jed York said, one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the league. His numbers back up this claim.
- Since becoming the starter in Week 13 of 2022, Purdy is fourth among all quarterbacks in QBR (70.2).
- He is third in passing yards (9,452).
- First in yards per attempt (8.9).
- Seventh in touchdown passes (64).
I think he’s great. Especially when you combine him with Kyle and combine it with what we have, he’s a great quarterback. And we want him here for a long, long time.
Jed York, Owner
Even before the signing of Purdy’s new contract, the effects were already being felt in San Francisco. The 49ers made significant changes to the roster during the offseason, saying goodbye to key players. This resulted in a large amount of “dead money” on the salary cap for 2025.
The 49ers are confident that Purdy will not only recover his 2022 and 2023 performance, but also continue to grow, even if his supporting cast has diminished.
In 2024, Purdy’s numbers decreased when he didn’t have McCaffrey, Aiyuk, and Williams for much of the year. His touchdown-to-interception ratio was 1.7, and he struggled in the end of the game.
Despite these challenges, Purdy finished with a QBR of 67.9, ranking seventh in the NFL, and continued to improve as a runner, with 323 yards and five touchdowns, career-high figures.
That level of production was enough for the 49ers to believe in Purdy. The ultimate test came with the negotiation of his contract extension.
You need to be sure of that. If you pay a quarterback and you’re not sure who he is, then it won’t be very fun later.
Kyle Shanahan, Coach
Purdy’s new contract implies that it is now his responsibility to be the catalyst that elevates the performance of those around him and ushers in a new era for the 49ers.
