Will the 49ers Franchise Tag Brock Purdy if They Can’t Extend Him?

Brock Purdy’s Contract Dilemma

The San Francisco 49ers face a major decision regarding their quarterback, Brock Purdy. After leading the team to consecutive deep playoff runs, Purdy has proven himself as a capable franchise quarterback. However, his contract situation is becoming a topic of intense debate. With one year left on his rookie deal, the 49ers must decide whether to extend him with a lucrative contract or leverage the franchise tag option.

The Financial Advantage of Waiting

If the 49ers want to maximize their financial flexibility, they could delay Purdy’s extension and allow him to play out the final year of his contract. This would enable the team to use the franchise tag in 2026 and 2027 if needed. In this scenario, Purdy would earn approximately $41 million in 2026 and $51 million in 2027, keeping the team’s total expenditure under $100 million over the next three years. Compared to the record-breaking contracts signed by quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson, this strategy offers significant cost savings.

The Risk of a Discontented Quarterback

While using the franchise tag on Purdy makes financial sense, it comes with risks. Quarterbacks value long-term security, and tagging Purdy could lead to tension between him and the organization. Though franchise-tagged players still receive hefty salaries, they lack long-term guarantees, which can create dissatisfaction. The 49ers must weigh the benefits of maintaining roster flexibility against the possibility of alienating their star quarterback.

Historical Precedents: Learning from Kirk Cousins

The Washington Commanders took a similar approach with Kirk Cousins, tagging him in consecutive seasons before he ultimately left in free agency. Cousins handled the situation professionally, played under the tag, and eventually signed a fully guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. If Purdy follows a similar trajectory, he could still land a massive payday down the line, but the 49ers run the risk of losing him in free agency if they delay a long-term commitment.

The Best Path Forward for San Francisco

The 49ers must decide between prioritizing financial prudence or securing Purdy as their long-term quarterback. Extending him this offseason would demonstrate their commitment to him as the face of the franchise, ensuring stability. On the other hand, using the franchise tag allows them to delay a significant financial commitment and assess his performance over additional seasons.

For now, the ball is in the 49ers’ court. They can either lock in their quarterback with a record-setting extension or take the calculated risk of using the franchise tag. Either way, Brock Purdy is set for a lucrative future, whether it’s with San Francisco or another team willing to pay top dollar for his services.