Brock Purdy’s ascent from “Mr. Irrelevant” to Super Bowl starter has made him one of the most discussed quarterbacks in the NFL. However, not everyone is sold on the San Francisco 49ers signal-caller being paid like one of the league’s elite.
Purdy’s elite status is routinely questioned. Recently retired three-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson is skeptical about whether the young quarterback truly belongs among the best in the NFL.
Patrick Peterson Questions Brock Purdy’s Extension Value
The ever-escalating quarterback market is a big-money business. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott currently leads the pack with a $60 million average, followed by Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow, Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen, Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence, and Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa — all hovering between $53 and $55 million annually.
Speaking on “Up & Adams,” Peterson commented on reports that Purdy could be in line for a contract extension worth around $50 million per year. While Peterson acknowledged that current market trends make such a salary figure possible, he reiterated that he wouldn’t sign that check.
“Honestly, no,” Peterson said when asked if he would pay Purdy $50 million. “But what these quarterbacks are going for right now, that’s kind of like the going rate.
“If you’re looking at this, you have to put him above Trevor Lawrence, and honestly, if you’re looking at the numbers, he’s probably going to have to be above Josh Allen too because he’s been in a Super Bowl. So he’s getting at least $50 [million]. I wouldn’t pay him that, but he’s probably going to get $50 [million].”
Purdy, 25, has certainly made a case for himself to get paid statistically. The former Iowa State standout holds a 23-13 regular-season record as a starter. He had a breakthrough season in 2023, throwing for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions, leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second NFL season.
Detractors argue that Purdy’s success is more about head coach Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly offensive scheme and his talented supporting cast than his brilliance. That is a valid question. Since entering the league, Purdy has been surrounded by elite playmakers such as Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle.
While the 49ers haven’t publicly confirmed any extension talks, multiple reports suggest negotiations are inevitable with Purdy still playing on a seventh-round rookie deal. Purdy is set to earn $5.346 million in 2025, making him one of the biggest quarterback bargains in the league.
Whether the 49ers believe Purdy is worth $50 million remains to be seen. However, as Peterson pointed out, the going rate may not always match a player’s perceived value. In today’s quarterback market, perception can be worth tens of millions.
