The Brock Purdy Dilemma: A System Quarterback or Future Star?

From “Mr. Irrelevant” to 49ers Hero

Brock Purdy’s meteoric rise in San Francisco has been one of the NFL’s most captivating stories. As the last pick in the draft, few expected him to be anything more than a backup. Yet, he has defied the odds, leading the 49ers deep into the playoffs and becoming the face of one of the league’s most dominant teams.

But while Purdy has been efficient, the real question remains: Is he truly an elite quarterback, or is he simply benefiting from an ideal system and an all-star supporting cast? The 49ers must be careful not to fall into the trap of overpaying him when his success may not be as sustainable as it seems.

A Quarterback Thriving in the Perfect System

Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme has long been known to elevate quarterbacks. From Matt Ryan’s MVP season in Atlanta to Jimmy Garoppolo’s success in San Francisco, the system is designed to make quarterbacks look good. Even backups like Nick Mullens have produced solid numbers in this scheme.

Purdy executes the system well, but he isn’t necessarily elevating the team beyond what an average quarterback could accomplish in the same role. His quick decision-making and efficiency are commendable, but they don’t automatically make him a franchise QB worthy of a massive contract.

The Talent Around Him Makes His Job Easier

The 49ers boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. With superstars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle, Purdy doesn’t have to do much heavy lifting. His receivers frequently turn short passes into big plays, and the dominant defense ensures he rarely has to play from behind.

Put Purdy on a team with fewer weapons and a weaker offensive line, and he wouldn’t look nearly as impressive. His statistics are inflated by the elite talent around him, making it difficult to gauge whether he can truly carry a team when necessary.

Paying Purdy Like a Franchise QB Would Be a Costly Mistake

Right now, Purdy is on a bargain rookie contract, which allows the 49ers to allocate money elsewhere. But when the time comes for an extension, San Francisco will face a tough decision. If they pay Purdy top-tier quarterback money, they will have to sacrifice talent in other areas—potentially losing key players who actually make the offense dynamic.

History has shown that overpaying a good-but-not-great quarterback can cripple a franchise. Look at the Los Angeles Rams with Jared Goff or the Philadelphia Eagles with Carson Wentz—both teams paid their quarterbacks big contracts, only to move on when it became clear they weren’t true franchise players. The 49ers must be careful not to make the same mistake.

The Smarter Path: A Sustainable Quarterback Strategy

San Francisco has a history of finding success without overcommitting to one quarterback. They should take a page from teams like the Eagles, who moved on from Wentz and found a better option in Jalen Hurts, or the Patriots, who constantly adjusted their quarterback situation to stay competitive.

If Purdy’s price tag gets too high, the 49ers should explore other options—whether it’s drafting a young quarterback or signing a capable veteran at a lower cost. The goal should be to keep the roster strong rather than overpaying for a quarterback who may not be able to thrive without elite weapons around him.

The Bottom Line

Brock Purdy has been a great story and a solid player for San Francisco. But the 49ers must recognize the reality: He is not an irreplaceable superstar. His success is largely a product of the system and the talent around him, not his individual brilliance.

If the 49ers want to remain Super Bowl contenders in the long run, they must avoid the mistake of paying Purdy like an elite quarterback. Instead, they should focus on maintaining a balanced roster and making smart financial decisions—because in the NFL, the right system and supporting cast matter just as much as the quarterback himself.