In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL quarterback salaries, few stories are as unlikely—or as compelling—as that of Brock Purdy. Once known simply as “Mr. Irrelevant,” the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has since become one of the most relevant and reliable figures in football. Now, as the San Francisco 49ers look toward the future, negotiations are expected to begin on a blockbuster contract extension that could pay him upwards of $50 million per year.
And according to some analysts, that number might still fall short of his true value.
From Obscurity to Center Stage
Brock Purdy’s rise through the NFL ranks is the stuff of legend. Drafted as a backup option at best, he was thrust into the spotlight following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. What followed was nothing short of sensational. Purdy not only kept the 49ers’ playoff hopes alive—he elevated them. Leading one of the league’s most dynamic offenses with poise, precision, and maturity well beyond his years, he quickly earned the trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan, his teammates, and millions of fans.
By the time he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, it was no longer a Cinderella story. It was a statement: Brock Purdy is the real deal.
The Financial Reality of Star Quarterbacks
Despite his success, Purdy remains on one of the most team-friendly deals in the NFL. His four-year rookie contract pays him less than $1 million annually—a figure dwarfed by the league’s elite quarterbacks, many of whom earn $45–55 million per year. That discrepancy won’t last much longer.
Sources inside league circles now expect the 49ers to offer Purdy an extension that could start at $50 million per year, potentially making him one of the top five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. It’s a massive leap from his current salary—but one that reflects both his production and the skyrocketing value of top-tier quarterbacks.
Analysts have pointed to his efficiency, leadership, and fit in Shanahan’s offense as reasons to believe he’s worth even more. Some project that with a favorable cap situation and an upward trend in QB salaries, Purdy could command closer to $55 million annually, especially if his upward trajectory continues.
The Case for a Mega-Deal
What sets Purdy apart isn’t just his numbers—although those are impressive enough. It’s the intangibles: his calm under pressure, his command of a complex offense, his chemistry with elite weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. His ability to operate Shanahan’s system efficiently gives San Francisco something they’ve long coveted—a durable, high-IQ quarterback who can consistently win games without needing to dominate with flashy, high-risk plays.
Under his leadership, the 49ers’ offense has flourished. And while critics may argue that he’s a “system quarterback,” even system quarterbacks don’t usually look this polished this early in their careers.
Implications for the 49ers and the NFL
Paying Purdy top dollar will have ripple effects. San Francisco is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and managing the salary cap will require difficult decisions. Star players will have to be restructured, traded, or let go in the years to come to make room for Purdy’s payday.
But locking in a franchise quarterback is the foundation of long-term success in the NFL. For the 49ers, securing Purdy isn’t just about rewarding past performance—it’s about solidifying the future.
Moreover, this deal could reset the quarterback market yet again. If a 7th-round pick on a rookie contract can leap into the $50M+ club in just two seasons, it sends a message to teams around the league: draft capital matters less than talent and development.
The Verdict
Brock Purdy’s journey from overlooked prospect to potential $50 million man is unprecedented—and far from over. As negotiations begin, both sides understand the stakes. For Purdy, it’s a life-changing contract that validates his belief in himself. For the 49ers, it’s the cost of doing business in a league where elite quarterback play is the most valuable currency.
If early estimates are accurate, we may soon witness one of the most remarkable financial turnarounds in NFL history.
And this time, there will be nothing irrelevant about it.
