It’s been a decidedly poor season for the defending NFC champion 49ers, who came into this year bent on returning to–and finally winning–the Super Bowl, only to be hit with a raft of injuries that has left them with a very slim path to even reach the postseason.

For third-year quarterback Brock Purdy, that’s obviously disappointing but also a case of very poor timing. That’s because Purdy was in line, in the early part of the season, to not only join the ranks of elite quarterbacks in the NFL, but to join the ranks of those with elite paychecks.

Spotrac projects Purdy’s market value, even amid this 5-7 season, at $59.7 million per year, just below the $240 million for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, the highest payout in NFL history. That works out to a four-year, $239 million deal for Purdy, which would be an NFL-record raise from the $1 million he makes this season.

But given what’s happened to both Purdy and the 49ers in general, it is fair to wonder whether San Francisco has the stomach to pay Purdy, who is under contract for next year but expected to hold out for a new deal if he is not extended early. The 49ers are loaded with overwrought contracts.

ESPN insider Dan Graziano wrote on Wednesday: “Purdy is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason, and the team must figure out his place in the quarterback contract firmament. A few months ago, when the Niners looked like the favorites to win the NFC again, you might have thought Purdy was in line for a top-of-market extension along the lines of Dak Prescott or Joe Burrow. And he still might be.”

But the 49ers are paying top-of-market deals for running back Christian McCaffrey, left tackle Trent Williams, pass rusher Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. It’s expected they’ll cut ties with star receiver Deebo Samuel after the season. Others may have to go, too, especially if Purdy goes from $1 million to $59 million in salary.

Or, maybe they don’t give Brock Purdy the big money. They found him with the final pick of the 2022 NFL draft–maybe the 49ers coudl do it again.

Graziano writes: “(Purdy) heading into the final season of his deal without an extension brings a lot of uncertainty about the future for everyone involved with the franchise. Purdy is the quarterback the 49ers pulled out of their hat when Trey Lance didn’t work out. Would they trust themselves to do it again? Or is extending Purdy at a big-money level a foregone conclusion?”