Since being selected as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy has defied expectations to become one of the NFL’s most exciting players, making history as the first Mr. Irrelevant to start a playoff game and leading his team to the Super Bowl in his second year, he is now gearing up for a potential contract extension, and discussions about his contract, impressive performance, and salary are heating up.
Brock Purdy’s Contract: Performance vs. Pay
Despite Purdy’s remarkable achievements on the field, his financial compensation does not reflect his contributions. He remains tied to a four-year rookie contract worth $3.7 million, which included a modest signing bonus of $77,000 and only $77,008 guaranteed. This places him among the lowest-paid starting quarterbacks in the NFL, a stark contrast to his peers who have secured much more lucrative deals.
For instance, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recently signed a groundbreaking four-year, $240 million contract with $231 million guaranteed. Other high-profile quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns also have contracts that far exceed Purdy’s, with Lawrence earning $275 million and Watson at $230 million. This disparity highlights the unfairness of rookie contracts, particularly for players drafted at the end of the order.
Purdy’s current earnings are significantly less than many backups, with him ranked as the 81st-highest-paid quarterback in total value. For the 2023 season, he earned a base salary of $870,000, which will increase to $985,000 in 2024 and reach $1.1 million in 2025.His 2023 cap hit is only $889,252, allowing the 49ers flexibility to build a strong roster around him. Notably, Purdy’s salary accounts for just 0.3% of the 49ers’ salary cap for the 2024 season, making him an incredible value for the team.
Brock Purdy’s Imminent Pay Raise As A Reward For Excellence
As Purdy’s contract nears its end, his performance has set the stage for a significant pay raise. Predictions suggest that he could sign a four-year deal worth around $222 million, averaging $55.5 million annually. This contract could elevate him into the upper echelons of NFL salaries, reflecting his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
“It’s a good problem when your quarterback is one of the highest-paid guys on your team and in the league,” said 49ers CEO Jed York at the NFL’s Annual League Meetings. “It’s what the market is. Brock is going to ask for something that no one has ever asked for before.”
Purdy’s impressive track record is backed by his on-field performance, including leading the league in passer ratings in 2023 and finishing fourth in MVP voting last season. As he continues to develop, his earnings are expected to soon mirror his contributions to the team.
The 49ers have built a formidable offensive lineup, partly due to Purdy’s low salary. His success has allowed the organization to surround him with top-tier talent, positioning the team as one of the strongest in the league. If Purdy can maintain his upward trajectory in performance and salary, he could soon transition from being one of the NFL’s best-kept secrets to one of its highest-paid stars.
