Ranking season is here, as the NFL offseason inspires endless lists and debates. Around The NFL writer Nick Shook recently joined the fray, ranking all 59 quarterbacks who started during the 2024 season. So, where did San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy land on the list?
Shook placed Purdy at No. 14—just behind his former backup, Sam Darnold (No. 13), and others like Geno Smith and Jordan Love.
While some might brush off offseason rankings, Purdy's spot is noteworthy as he negotiates a contract extension. There's little doubt he will secure the biggest contract in 49ers history. The real question is how his annual salary will stack up against the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks.
At the top of the list, Dak Prescott commands an annual salary of $60 million, followed by Love, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence, each averaging $55 million per year.
Determining Purdy's worth is complicated. He set a franchise record in 2023, throwing for 4,280 passing yards—the most in a season in 49ers history. However, his production dropped this past season as injuries plagued the team, contributing to a disappointing six-win campaign.
This year, Purdy's No. 14 ranking marks a seven-spot drop from his 2023 position.
"It's difficult to evaluate Purdy's season fairly because of the many injuries the 49ers suffered on both sides of the ball," Shook explained. "They played almost the entire season without Christian McCaffrey, lost Brandon Aiyuk to injury in October and spent a considerable stretch without 11-time Pro Bowler Trent William, just to name a few.
"Still, Purdy was asked to keep the 49ers in games in which their defense, also without multiple contributors, struggled. When Purdy was on, he was on, lighting up defenses seemingly with ease. When things got particularly tough around him, though, he wasn't nearly as great, making me wonder if he's able to consistently elevate those around him."
That doubt likely affected Purdy's ranking—and could also influence contract negotiations. Despite being one of the NFL's best bargains for the past three years, playing on his rookie deal as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, questions remain about his ability to be a game-changing playmaker.
"Is he a quarterback who can overcome adversity, or will he be limited by it in his career?" Shook asked. "San Francisco needs to feel comfortable in the answer, as they prepare to enter contract negotiations with him."
