The San Francisco 49ers made a decision on Brock Purdy, extending the former Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 draft on a five-year contract. While, on paper, it's a five-year deal, Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated pointed out that it's really a two-year deal.
Cohn explained that the Niners could cut ties with Purdy after 2025 but would have to pay him $47 million the following year and roughly $12 million in 2027. That's not happening obviously. Cohn then walked us through what could happen next.
"So when April 1, 2026 rolls around and Purdy is still on the roster, an additional $15 million option bonus will be guaranteed in 2027. Which means he will get $115 million even if the 49ers release him in 2027.
And there's a real chance the 49ers will release Purdy in 2027. Because if they don't release him by April 1, 2027, more than $55 million will become fully guaranteed for Purdy in 2028. In addition, his salary cap number will jump to $57.62 million in 2028."
49ers can re-evaluate Brock Purdy's contract in 2 years
It wasn't a shock to see the Niners extend Purdy given what he's accomplished during his short time with the team. No one expected him to turn into anything after being the last pick in the 2022 draft but Purdy stepped in when the quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart were injured, helping lead the team to the NFC Championship Game.
In his first full year as the starter, Purdy helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl where they came painfully close to winning their first championship since the mid-1990s. While the 2024 season didn't go according to plan, it was hardly Purdy's fault and he deserved this extension.
That being said, if it turns out that Purdy wasn't worth this deal, the 49ers covered their bases and can get out of it after just two years. Let's hope that doesn't end up happening and that Purdy continues to look like the franchise quarterback San Francisco needs him to be.