Struggles on the Field
The San Francisco 49ers faced a challenging season, marked by difficulties that tested the team’s resilience and performance. Among those affected was quarterback Brock Purdy, who experienced his most challenging stretch as a starter. Despite the hurdles, including injury setbacks to key offensive players like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk, Purdy’s performance in 2024 notably declined compared to the previous year.
Declining Stats
Purdy’s statistics illustrate the struggles he encountered this season. He threw for approximately 400 fewer yards than in 2023, with his touchdown count plummeting from 31 to just 20. Additionally, he relinquished one more interception than last year, finishing with 12. His quarterback rating, once a respectable 107.3 and 113.0, fell to 96.1, marking a significant dip in his performance.
General Manager’s Support
Despite the disappointing season and the team’s first missed playoff appearance since 2020, general manager John Lynch has expressed unwavering support for Purdy. Speaking to reporters, Lynch emphasized, “What we know about Brock is that he’s our guy. We have interest in Brock being around here for a long, long time.” He acknowledged Purdy’s contributions, stating that the quarterback had faced challenges alongside the team and continued to lead despite adversity.
Contract Prospects
Looking ahead, Purdy is eligible for a substantial contract extension. As the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, his base salary this past season was less than $1 million. However, projections indicate a potential market value of around $59.7 million annually, which would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. According to estimates, he could be in line for a four-year deal worth nearly $239 million, surpassing contracts of prominent QBs like Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Tua Tagovailoa, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff.
Historical Significance
If Purdy secures such a contract, he would become the 14th quarterback in NFL history to surpass the $200 million mark, a milestone achieved by only a select few since 2020. As the 49ers look to the future, the organization remains committed to fostering Purdy’s development and success, signaling a hopeful trajectory for both the player and the team.
