The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to secure their franchise quarterback with a significant contract next year. When that happens, Brock Purdy will become one of the NFL's highest-paid players—potentially even the highest-paid.
However, sports commentator Rich Eisen predicts that Purdy's reign as the highest-paid player won't last long. When asked who will earn the highest average salary starting in 2025, Eisen explained that while Purdy might initially hold the top spot, Prescott's deal will eventually top it.
"Oh, it's going to be Dak Prescott," Eisen said. "Absolutely, it's going to be Dak Prescott. ... Purdy is going to wind up the number one paid quarterback in the NFL. And I just don't think he will be by the end of the day because Dak, when he becomes the highest-paid player in the NFL at the quarterback position, it will be because Dallas does it so damn late, it'll be longer than anything else it takes for anybody else to sign their guy.
"So it might be one of those things where you remember how [Eagles QB] Jalen Hurts was the highest-paid quarterback in the league for 24 hours? [Lions WR] Amon-Ra St. Brown was the highest-paid receiver in the league for 24 hours. I think that's what will happen. It'll be Dak over Brock."
The 49ers would benefit from finalizing a deal with their young quarterback sooner rather than later once negotiations begin. The team has a history of drawing out significant negotiations, often signing its star players closer to training camp.
One instance where that tactic cost the Niners was in 2022 with Deebo Samuel. By the time the 49ers and Samuel agreed to terms on a new deal, the wide receiver market had significantly ballooned compared to earlier in the offseason. The team also could have avoided the drama that accompanied the negotiation process.
With Prescott scheduled to earn a significant payday next year, the 49ers might want to lock up their own quarterback with a new deal quickly.