Brock Purdy’s Extension Might Not Be as High as Expected, Says Adam Schefter
49ers’ Cap Situation Could Limit Purdy’s Payday
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into a critical offseason with numerous decisions to make, and one of the biggest talking points is the potential contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. While many assume the 49ers will reward Purdy with a massive long-term deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes the financial constraints of the franchise could prevent that from happening.
Speaking on ESPN’s NFL Live, Schefter noted that the 49ers’ salary cap situation might not allow them to offer Purdy a record-setting extension. Instead, San Francisco may have to take a more measured approach, ensuring they maintain roster flexibility while still compensating their starting quarterback fairly.
“The 49ers don’t have to do anything right now,” Schefter said. “They have leverage. Purdy is still under contract for another season, and with their cap situation, they’re not necessarily in a rush to break the bank on an extension.”
This statement has sparked widespread discussion among NFL analysts, fans, and insiders. Would Purdy be willing to take a more team-friendly deal? Could the 49ers risk waiting too long and allowing Purdy’s price tag to soar even higher? These are just a few of the pressing questions surrounding the situation.
San Francisco’s Cap Situation: A Tight Financial Rope
To understand why Purdy’s extension might not be as high as initially expected, one must examine the 49ers’ financial outlook. The team has committed significant resources to several star players, making it difficult to add another massive contract without making sacrifices elsewhere.
Currently, San Francisco is one of the top-spending teams in the NFL. Some of their biggest contracts include:
Nick Bosa: $34 million per year (highest-paid defensive player in NFL history)
Trent Williams: $23 million per year (highest-paid left tackle in the league)
Deebo Samuel: $23.85 million per year (signed a three-year, $71.5 million extension in 2022)
Christian McCaffrey: $16 million per year (highest-paid running back)
Fred Warner: $19 million per year (one of the highest-paid linebackers)
Adding Purdy to this list with a deal in the range of $50 million per year—something other young quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have received—would put a tremendous strain on the team’s cap.
While the salary cap is expected to rise in the coming years, the 49ers must also consider upcoming extensions for key players such as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is seeking a lucrative new contract. If the team prioritizes keeping its core intact, a blockbuster Purdy deal might not be feasible.
Comparing Purdy’s Potential Contract to Other Quarterbacks
One of the biggest unknowns in this situation is how much Purdy’s next deal will be worth. The quarterback market has exploded in recent years, with top-tier signal-callers securing contracts worth $50 million or more annually.
Here’s a look at some of the recent quarterback extensions:
Joe Burrow (Bengals, 2023): 5 years, $275 million ($55 million per year)
Justin Herbert (Chargers, 2023): 5 years, $262.5 million ($52.5 million per year)
Jalen Hurts (Eagles, 2023): 5 years, $255 million ($51 million per year)
Lamar Jackson (Ravens, 2023): 5 years, $260 million ($52 million per year)
Would the 49ers be willing to put Purdy in the same financial tier as these quarterbacks? While he has been successful in his first two seasons as a starter, he hasn’t yet been asked to carry the offense in the way that quarterbacks like Burrow, Herbert, or Mahomes have.
If San Francisco decides to offer Purdy a more modest extension—perhaps in the range of $35-40 million per year—it could be a compromise that allows them to retain key players while still rewarding their quarterback.
The 49ers Hold All the Leverage
Unlike other teams that have been forced to extend their quarterbacks early, the 49ers are in a unique position. Purdy is still under contract for one more season on his rookie deal, which means San Francisco has time to evaluate their options.
Purdy, who was the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is one of the biggest bargains in football. He is set to make just $985,000 in base salary in 2025, which is an absurdly low number compared to what starting quarterbacks typically earn.
Because of this, the 49ers are not under pressure to rush into a new deal. If they choose, they could let Purdy play out the final year of his contract and reassess his value after the 2025 season.
The risk? If Purdy continues to improve and leads the 49ers to another deep playoff run, his price tag will only increase. San Francisco would then be forced to pay a premium or use the franchise tag, which could lead to further complications.
Would Purdy Take a Team-Friendly Deal?
One of the biggest questions in this debate is whether Brock Purdy would be willing to accept a team-friendly deal. While some quarterbacks prioritize maximizing their earnings, others have been open to taking slightly below-market contracts to help their team remain competitive.
For example, Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million deal that, while massive, allowed the Chiefs to structure their cap in a way that kept their roster strong. Similarly, Tom Brady took multiple pay cuts throughout his career to help the New England Patriots build championship-caliber teams.
If Purdy is willing to take a slightly lower number—perhaps $35-40 million per year with incentives—it would allow the 49ers to maintain their competitive edge. However, if he seeks to maximize his earnings and asks for a contract exceeding $50 million annually, the team may be forced to make difficult roster decisions.
What Happens Next?
The 49ers are expected to have preliminary discussions with Purdy’s representatives this offseason, but a deal is not necessarily imminent. With Purdy still under contract for one more year, the team has flexibility in how they approach negotiations.
There are a few possible scenarios that could unfold:
1. Early Extension (Team-Friendly Deal): The 49ers sign Purdy to an extension this offseason, but at a lower annual value (around $35-40 million per year). This allows the team to retain other key players.
2. Wait Until 2026: San Francisco lets Purdy play out the 2025 season and then decides on his contract after seeing another year of performance. The risk is that his price could skyrocket.
3. Franchise Tag Option: If Purdy’s asking price becomes too high, the 49ers could place the franchise tag on him in 2026, which would keep him under contract but at a steep one-year cost.
4. Surprise Trade? While unlikely, if the 49ers believe they cannot afford Purdy’s long-term contract demands, they could explore trade options to maximize value before he reaches free agency.
Conclusion: A Complex Contract Situation
The Brock Purdy extension saga is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason. While some expect him to secure a massive contract, the 49ers’ salary cap constraints could force them to take a more cautious approach.
With Purdy still under contract for another season, San Francisco holds all the leverage. They can wait, negotiate, or even use the franchise tag if necessary. However, delaying too long could come with financial risks if Purdy’s price continues to rise.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how much the 49ers value Purdy and whether he is willing to accept a deal that helps the team remain competitive. If both sides can find a middle ground, San Francisco could be set up for long-term success. But if negotiations become complicated, the 49ers may have some difficult decisions ahead.
For now, all eyes remain on Purdy and the 49ers’ front office as they navigate one of the most critical contract negotiations in franchise history.
Leave a Reply