The debate over Brock Purdy’s status as an elite quarterback continues to divide opinions, and the latest discussion on “Scoop City,” hosted by NFL insider Dianna Russini and former quarterback Chase Daniel, delves into this contentious topic.
Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback, has been praised for his performances but also criticized as benefiting heavily from head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.
Debate Over Brock Purdy’s Value: System Quarterback or Standalone Star?
On the latest episode of “Scoop City,” former quarterback Chase Daniel and NFL insider Dianna Russini heatedly discussed the long-term value of Purdy, who went from “Mr. Irrelevant” to “NFC Championship Game” starter.
With contract talks reportedly ongoing, Purdy is looking for a major payday — potentially in the range of $52–$55 million annually. That’s a significant jump for a seventh-round pick, but one that seems to reflect San Francisco’s faith in him.
49ers CEO Jed York even labeled Purdy a top-10 quarterback, though with the caveat that this is true “when you combine him with Kyle [Shanahan] and combine him with what we have.”
That qualifier is at the heart of Russini’s argument. She pointed out that no team has inquired about trading for Purdy despite his strong numbers.
“There have not been any teams that have called the San Francisco 49ers to trade for Brock Purdy,” she stated. To her, that suggests the league sees Purdy less as a franchise-carrying quarterback and more as a product of Shanahan’s QB-friendly system.
Daniel, on the other hand, emphasized traits beyond raw stats or draft position. From a quarterback’s perspective, he believes Purdy possesses the football IQ and leadership to elevate a team.
When asked whether he would choose Trevor Lawrence or Purdy if both were available, Daniel answered, “Depends on my scheme. 100%. I want a winner. I want a guy who knows how to run the system. I would probably take Brock Purdy.”
While Daniel acknowledged Lawrence’s greater natural talent, he argued that Purdy deserves a similar salary, especially considering future cap inflation. He went as far as to say the 49ers might look back in two years and see a $55 million annual salary as a bargain.
Yet, the debate remains unresolved. Russini’s point that no trade interest in Purdy indicates his value is tied to Shanahan stands in contrast to Daniel’s belief that fit and leadership can be just as important as raw skill.
The 49ers, meanwhile, continue working on a contract extension. Whether Purdy gets paid like an elite quarterback or something closer to a system fit will reflect where the team ultimately lands in this very debate.