Brock Purdy: From Mr. Irrelevant to Franchise Quarterback

Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, once known as “Mr. Irrelevant,” has defied all expectations and emerged as the San Francisco 49ers’ franchise quarterback. His journey from a late-round selection to leading one of the NFL’s top teams is nothing short of remarkable. As he enters the final year of his four-year, $3.7 million rookie contract, Purdy is poised to cash in on a massive payday that will reward his exceptional play and leadership.

The Future of Brock Purdy’s Contract

Recently, Robert Mays and Diana Russini delved into Purdy’s contract situation in a crossover episode of The Athletic Football Show with Scoop City. Mays asked Russini whether the 49ers would be comfortable paying Purdy a salary in the range of $55 to $60 million annually. Her response was insightful and pointed to the likely outcome.

“Yeah, I think that’s going to be the number they wind up sitting at,” Russini said. “I think the agent is going to try to get more, but they’ll wind up settling in that area. Let’s make it clear though, I don’t think Brock Purdy’s sitting there going, ‘I’m demanding I want to be the highest-paid quarterback.’ I think for Brock Purdy, if it was up to him, he’d probably make a little bit more than he is now as long as he can drive his Toyota. I don’t think this is the type of player that’s in this to be the richest man in football, and I think he just wants to be paid what he’s worth and continue to improve and get them a Super Bowl.”

Purdy’s humble attitude speaks volumes about his character and his focus on the team’s success rather than personal wealth. He has always maintained a team-first mentality, and it’s this mindset that has allowed him to flourish in such a short amount of time.

A Stellar Rookie Season and Continued Growth

Purdy’s ascent to the starting quarterback role in San Francisco came unexpectedly but with undeniable success. In his rookie season, he took over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback and immediately made an impact. Purdy led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, throwing for an impressive 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, all while setting a franchise record for single-season passing yards.

Though the 49ers faced a tough 2024 season, finishing with a 6-11 record, Purdy continued to show resilience and skill. In 15 games, he threw for 3,864 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, proving that his early success was no fluke. His ability to perform under pressure and his growth as a quarterback have solidified his place as the team’s long-term solution at the position.

The 49ers’ Confidence in Purdy

Both General Manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have consistently expressed confidence in Purdy’s abilities and his future with the team. Shanahan, in particular, has been vocal about his belief in Purdy as the 49ers’ franchise quarterback.

“I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here,” Shanahan said in January, according to ABC7. “Brock’s been a stud. He’s a guy I’ve got a lot of confidence in. We’re capable of winning the Super Bowl with him.”

Shanahan’s comments underscore the trust the 49ers have in Purdy to lead them to a championship. Despite the ups and downs of the 2024 season, Purdy’s performance has earned him the respect and belief of the entire organization.

What’s Next for Brock Purdy?

As the 49ers move into the offseason, the looming question is whether they will extend Purdy’s contract before he hits free agency. If the team fails to extend his deal, they could use the franchise tag in 2026 to keep him from entering the open market. However, this would complicate their salary cap situation, making a deal for a long-term contract more favorable.

Regardless of the contract situation, one thing is certain: Brock Purdy has proven that he is more than just a late-round draft pick. He’s the future of the San Francisco 49ers, and his story is one that will inspire both fans and players for years to come. As he continues to grow and develop, Purdy has the potential to not only secure a big payday but also bring the 49ers the Super Bowl victory they’ve been striving for.