George Kittle’s deal has strong clues as to the structure of Brock Purdy’s new contract

George Kittle’s deal has strong clues as to the structure of Brock Purdy’s new contract

 

George Kittle’s recent contract deal can offer some strong clues for how Brock Purdy’s contract might be structured, especially given the similarities in their roles within the San Francisco 49ers’ offense. Both Kittle and Purdy have a strong connection to the 49ers’ offensive scheme, and the team has historically structured contracts to allow for flexibility under the salary cap. Kittle’s deal, for example, was designed to keep him highly compensated while also leaving room for other top players. Purdy’s deal might be similarly structured to give the team cap space while rewarding him for his potential as a starting QB.

Kittle’s contract likely includes performance-based incentives, such as bonuses tied to Pro Bowls or All-Pro honors. Similarly, Purdy’s contract could feature performance incentives given his potential for growth and how the 49ers’ coaching staff might want to structure his deal to motivate him while providing cap flexibility. Since Kittle is a cornerstone player, his deal might have been structured with guaranteed money and team options later in the deal. For Purdy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a similar approach—ensuring that Purdy gets a solid foundation financially, while allowing the team to maintain flexibility for future seasons as Purdy further proves himself.

Kittle’s deal includes the use of signing bonuses or deferred money to keep the cap hits lower in the early years. Purdy, being a more recent draft pick and not yet the established star Kittle is, might have a contract that mirrors this type of structure, with a bigger focus on his salary as he grows into the starting role. Considering how tight cap situations can get for teams like the 49ers, both Kittle’s and Purdy’s contracts could be structured to prioritize performance incentives and team control in the later years. It’ll also be interesting to see how the 49ers balance Purdy’s future potential with the already-strong roster and the eventual need to pay other key players.

What are your thoughts on how Purdy’s deal will be structured? Do you think they’ll lock him into a long-term contract early, or take a wait-and-see approach for another season or two?