Heading into Week 6, even with a 2-3 record and a 49ers team that has been underwhelming so far this season, Brock Purdy could be on the verge of making history. On the field, we’ve seen Purdy develop steadily over the past few years, but it’s what could happen off the field that may leave a lasting mark.
That moment will come after the season, when Purdy, still playing on his rookie deal after being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, becomes eligible for a contract extension.
According to the experts at the contract website Spotrac, Purdy is already in line for a substantial deal, and it could get even bigger.
As it stands, Spotrac’s Mike Ginnitti projects Purdy’s market value at an average annual salary of $55.5 million, surpassing players like Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Burrow. Those quarterbacks are just below Cowboys’ QB Dak Prescott, who holds the record for the highest-paid player at $60 million per year.
While Purdy wouldn’t quite reach Prescott’s figure yet, that could change. Currently, his projected contract sits at four years and $222 million.
“There’s a very clear path for Brock Purdy to take this team on his back, overcome major injuries around him, and go from Mr. Irrelevant to the highest-paid player in football history,” Ginnitti said on “The Spotrac Podcast” this week.
Brock Purdy Ranked No. 2 in NFL
Purdy has been stellar this season, completing 65.6% of his passes for 1,374 yards, which ranks fourth in the NFL. Although he has thrown only six touchdowns and four interceptions, he’s done so while playing without key offensive weapons. Christian McCaffrey has been sidelined all season, George Kittle has dealt with injuries, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel has also been banged up.
Meanwhile, star receiver Brandon Aiyuk has struggled after missing training camp due to a contract dispute.
Despite all this, Purdy’s performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. Pro Football Focus has rated him with an 87.3 grade, making him the second-highest-rated quarterback in the NFL.
It’s clear that Purdy is no longer just a “system quarterback” benefiting from playing with elite talent. He’s proven that he can stand out on his own.
49ers Need to Be Ready to Pay
This is a crucial point as the 49ers prepare for Purdy’s next contract. Ginnitti was once among those questioning whether the 49ers would stick with Purdy if he struggled this year. Now, he admits he was wrong, as Purdy has effectively carried the offense.
“Brock Purdy can shake off all that doubt now,” Ginnitti said. “Because what he’s done over five weeks, despite the 49ers’ record not being where they hoped, shows he’s not just about wins. He’s done more as an individual player than I expected. He’s made plays, created plays, and is proving to be a near-top-tier quarterback.”
If Purdy keeps performing at this level and helps the 49ers rise to the top once the team is fully healthy, he could find himself not just near the top but at the very top of the league.
“And that’s what the contract will reflect,” Ginnitti concluded.
The 49ers had better get their checkbooks ready.
