What NY Giants Signing Russell Wilson Means for 49ers QB Brock Purdy

A Changing Landscape in the Quarterback Market

The NFL quarterback market has shifted dramatically in just a few short years. The latest evidence? The New York Giants’ decision to sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, $20 million contract with $10.5 million guaranteed. Just a few years ago, Wilson would have commanded significantly more, but teams are now approaching quarterback deals with much greater caution.

For the San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy, this shift should serve as a warning. Purdy, who is eligible for a contract extension, is reportedly seeking around $60 million per year. Given the current market conditions and Purdy’s performance, this could put the 49ers in a precarious situation if they aren’t careful.

Lessons from the Giants’ Costly Mistakes

The Giants have already learned a hard lesson when it comes to overpaying quarterbacks. Just two years ago, they handed Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million deal. Fast forward to today, and they’ve cut him, still carrying over $22 million in dead cap penalties. They won’t make the same mistake again, which is why Wilson’s contract is so structured—short-term, relatively inexpensive, and with minimal risk.

The 49ers should take note. Overpaying for a quarterback who hasn’t solidified himself as elite can cripple a franchise for years. The Giants’ mistake with Jones is a cautionary tale, one the 49ers can’t afford to ignore.

The 49ers’ Troubled History with QB Contracts

San Francisco has been down this road before. In 2018, they made Jimmy Garoppolo the highest-paid quarterback in the league after he won his first seven starts. By 2020, they were actively looking to move on from him, which led them to mortgage the future to draft Trey Lance. When that experiment failed, they were fortunate that Purdy emerged as a reliable starter.

But now, history threatens to repeat itself. Purdy has proven to be a solid quarterback, but he has yet to demonstrate that he can elevate a team the way truly elite quarterbacks do. Instead, much like Garoppolo, he thrives when surrounded by a top-tier supporting cast. If Purdy demands a massive contract, the 49ers risk losing the very pieces that make him successful.

Can the 49ers Avoid the Same Fate?

If the 49ers give Purdy the contract he reportedly seeks, they could find themselves in a similar position to the Giants: saddled with an overpriced quarterback who limits their ability to build a championship-caliber roster. With stars like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey already commanding significant salaries, paying Purdy an exorbitant sum could make it impossible to retain key playmakers.

San Francisco must decide whether Purdy is truly the future of the franchise or if they should take a more measured approach, perhaps even considering alternative options in the draft or free agency. The Giants have shown what happens when teams pay mid-tier quarterbacks elite money. The 49ers need to ensure they don’t fall into the same trap.

The Bottom Line

The signing of Russell Wilson by the Giants is more than just a transaction—it’s a wake-up call for teams like the 49ers. The days of handing out massive contracts to quarterbacks without elite credentials may be coming to an end. If San Francisco wants to remain a contender, they must be cautious with Purdy’s contract demands.

One bad deal could send them down the same path as the Giants—a team that went from playoff hopefuls to quarterback purgatory in just a few years. The 49ers still have time to make the right decision, but the stakes have never been higher.