Back in January, a smiling Kyle Shanahan leaned into the mic and gave Brock Purdy the ultimate nod: “Brock is the leader of our team.” Just a year earlier, Purdy had been “Mr. Irrelevant”—the final pick of the 2022 Draft. But in a flash, he became San Francisco’s postseason miracle, its steady hand through chaos. Now, that same locker room leader is watching his payday get tossed around like a pre-snap audible. And if whispers around Santa Clara are to be believed, the biggest hurdle isn’t belief—it’s the dollar signs.
Shanahan’s January praise felt like a prelude to a major extension: “I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here. So, Brock’s been a stud.” But the “stud” is still waiting. Despite leading the 49ers to back-to-back deep playoff runs (in 2022 and 2023) —including a Super Bowl LVIII appearance—the 25-year-old quarterback remains without a contract extension. The holdup? Cold, hard cash.
While Purdy is reportedly eyeing a deal north of $60 million per year, the 49ers are countering with a range in the low $50 millions. And not everyone in the league believes the former Iowa State standout will land even that.
Just weeks ago, Rams WR Puka Nacua appeared on Games with Names and confidently claimed, “I think, no. I think mid-40s,” when asked about Purdy receiving a $50M contract. Julian Edelman, hosting the show, echoed that estimate: $40–45 million. That’s quite a gap—and the buzz only grew louder when rumors emerged that Purdy’s camp is targeting the same tier as MVP-caliber names.
The #49ers are ALL IN on Brock Purdy being their Franchise QB & are prioritizing his contract next, per sources.
Purdy’s agency is seeking near $60M, while SF is pushing for a lower $50M’s AAV.
Purdy is training at the Niners facility & is letting the process work out. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/BVrGTRGOVs
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) April 30, 2025
Currently, the 49ers are letting things breathe. With Purdy still under his original four-year, $3.7 million rookie contract through 2025, there’s no immediate deadline. But that flexibility hasn’t stopped fans from criticizing the front office, especially Shanahan, for potentially low-balling the face of the franchise. “Brock wants to be with us. We want Brock to be with us,” said GM John Lynch in April at the NFL Annual Meeting. Owner Jed York was equally optimistic. Still, as of May 2025, no deal has been signed.
One of the main constraints appears to be salary cap management. According to Over The Cap, the 49ers currently have the fifth-most cap space in the NFL—$38.5 million. That’s healthy, but not enough for a $60M AAV deal without major restructuring. Spotrac projects Purdy’s next contract at 4 years, $194 million with $100 million guaranteed—roughly $48.5M per year. For now, that feels like the most realistic number.
Purdy’s tight end signs a record deal
In January, All-Pro TE George Kittle became the league’s highest-paid tight end, overtaking Trey McBride. His new 4-year, $76.4 million extension includes $40 million guaranteed—$35M at signing and another $5M tacked on in 2027. That $19.1M APY now sets the tight end market.
More importantly, according to SF reporter David Lombardi, the team’s creative structuring of Kittle’s extension actually freed up nearly $50 million in cap space. That could be the green light Purdy’s camp has been waiting for.
The 6-time Pro Bowler has racked up 538 receptions for 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns in 113 games. Pro Football Focus ranked Kittle #1 among all TEs in 2024 with a 92.1 grade—ahead of McBride’s 86.8. While Kittle watches WrestleMania and rests up for another year, the 49ers’ front office is quietly putting together a path to secure its QB1.
So where do things stand now? Brock Purdy is back at the Niners facility, training and staying quiet while his agency negotiates. Fans remain restless, wondering if the 49ers are playing a dangerous game by waiting too long to lock in their most valuable asset. But the team’s financial maneuvering, combined with Shanahan and Lynch’s vocal support, suggests a deal is closer than it may seem.
If the Kittle extension proved anything, it’s that the Niners still know how to get creative with money. The only question is whether they’ll show their quarterback the same level of commitment.
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