The San Francisco 49ers have yet to reach an agreement on a new contract for quarterback Brock Purdy. John Middlekauf, a former NFL scout, believes the 25-year-old should be going to his agent with a strong message.
What’s Fair Market Value for Brock Purdy?
Purdy’s ongoing contract situation with the San Francisco 49ers is one of the biggest stories of the offseason. He’s been to the Super Bowl already — throwing for 255 yards and a touchdown in 2024 — while playing on a cheap rookie deal. He was also injured during the NFC Championship Game in 2023, forcing him out early and halting his chance at two Super Bowl appearances.
The 25-year-old quarterback has made less than a million dollars per season for the last three years. So, yes, the Niners have been getting ludicrous value out of him as their starter, with his minimum deal allowing them to pay players like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk lucrative contracts.
Now, it’s Purdy’s turn. He’s going into the final year of his four-year rookie contract. He’s estimated to earn $5.3 million in 2025, per Spotrac.
Let’s quickly look at the quarterback landscape.
Geno Smith recently signed a two-year extension worth $75 million after being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Trevor Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, followed by the Miami Dolphins inking Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4 million deal.
According to Middlekauf, the going rate for a starting quarterback is between $40 million and $50 million per year. Purdy should get something in that range.
“If I was his agent, and I was sitting in his shoes, in his corner, on his team, I’d say, I watched them give Trevor Lawrence $200 million deal. I watched them give Jordan Love a massive contract off of eight good games.
“Tua Tagovailoa, who couldn’t chew gum and walk straight in playoff games, they gave him $150-$160 million guaranteed. And people are acting like I should only get $100 million?”
He makes a valid point, especially when considering those other quarterbacks haven’t come close to having the same success Purdy has had in the playoffs.
Lawrence has one playoff win. Tagovailoa is making $53 million per season and hasn’t won in the playoffs. Justin Herbert is making $52.5 million, and he’s winless in the postseason, too.
49ers Still Negotiating Contract Extension
Per Spotrac, Purdy’s annual market value is $59.7 million. They are predicting he will sign a four-year contract for $239 million, a deal almost identical to that of Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott is the highest-paid-quarterback on a per-year basis at $60 million.
While Purdy and the Niners continue to negotiate a new deal, there has been no talk of a holdout. He showed up at offseason workouts and plans to attend training camp in July.
San Francisco general manager John Lynch has praised Purdy’s work ethic and dedication to the franchise, and it seems to be only a matter of time before a new contract does in fact get announced.