There's little concern surrounding contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy. Most expect a deal to get done, as both sides are motivated to avoid the prolonged drama that has plagued many of the team's past negotiations.
While specific details remain behind closed doors, one 49ers insider provided insight into the mood in Santa Clara—offering reassurance for fans concerned about the situation.
"I heard from a plugged-in NFL source this week that the 49ers and Purdy's camp are, indeed, feeling like there won't be fireworks on the way to an eventual deal," The San Francisco Standard's Tim Kawakami wrote in a recent mailbag. "But I've also heard generally that the framework might be a little different than some other recent QB deals."
Quarterback contracts are notoriously expensive, often limiting a team's salary cap flexibility. For the 49ers, that could mean making difficult roster decisions, potentially impacting the number of playmakers they can surround their 25-year-old quarterback with.
Purdy thrived with a strong supporting cast of offensive playmakers in his first two NFL seasons. However, injuries took a toll this season, contributing to a disappointing 2024 campaign.
Most fans expect Purdy to secure a deal averaging over $50 million annually, making him not only one of the highest-paid players in the NFL but also the richest in franchise history. What does Kawakami mean by a "little different" framework?
"I suspect this means the 49ers could be pitching a shorter-term, lesser-guarantee deal compared to the full-commitment deals signed by Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, and others over the last few years," Kawakami wrote. "Will Purdy and his agent be happy with that? Assuredly, there'll be some negotiations. Nobody makes their best offer right off the bat. It might take time."
The hope is that both sides can finalize an agreement before the start of the offseason program, putting to rest any speculation about a potential holdout—or hold-in.
