As Super Bowl LIX festivities take over New Orleans, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio weighed in on key NFL topics during Radio Row, including the San Francisco 49ers’ looming contract decision regarding quarterback Brock Purdy.
Purdy, now eligible for an extension following the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, has been a tremendous bargain for the 49ers. As the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has played under a cost-effective rookie contract, giving San Francisco the financial flexibility to strengthen its roster.
However, after three seasons as the team’s starter, speculation is growing that Purdy could soon demand one of the league’s top quarterback contracts.
Despite his success, Florio believes the 49ers should take a cautious approach rather than committing to a long-term deal too soon.
Florio’s Perspective on Purdy’s Contract Situation
“I wouldn’t sign him this year,” Florio said when asked how he would handle Purdy’s contract talks. “I’d make him play another year. I think there’s still uncertainty. I would consider making him an offer based on what we’ve seen so far, but I wouldn’t rush into it.”
Purdy has delivered strong results early in his career, leading the 49ers to two NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl berth. He also set a franchise record with 4,280 passing yards in 2023.
However, his 2024 campaign was more challenging, as injuries across the roster contributed to a dip in performance, raising questions about whether he warrants a massive payday.
“The market right now is at $60 million per year,” Florio noted. “Would I offer him 35 to 40 million? Maybe.” While he acknowledged Purdy’s value to the team, he argued that allowing him to play out his current deal would give the 49ers more time to evaluate his long-term potential before making a major financial commitment.
Purdy’s 2024 Performance and San Francisco’s Struggles
Purdy’s 2024 statistics reflected a decline from his standout 2023 season. In 15 games, he threw for 3,864 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, finishing with a 96.1 passer rating. While still solid, those numbers were a step back from his record-setting performance the year prior.
San Francisco’s disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024 further complicates the decision. The team ended up in last place in the NFC West, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. This downturn has fueled debates over whether Purdy is truly the long-term answer at quarterback or if the 49ers should explore other options before committing to a massive deal.
Critical Decision Looms for the 49ers
With Purdy still under contract for another season, the 49ers have time to make a calculated decision. Should they extend him now and risk overpaying, or wait and potentially see his value rise even higher? Florio’s stance favors patience, advocating for another year of evaluation before making a franchise-altering commitment.
However, delaying an extension also carries risks—if Purdy performs at a high level in 2025, San Francisco may have to pay even more to retain him, or worse, create tension with their young quarterback.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the 49ers’ front office and how they navigate Purdy’s contract situation. The decision they make could define the team’s future for years to come.
