NFL quarterbacks have been at the center of attention this offseason, with many signing multi-year extensions and engaging in contract negotiations with their teams. Each new contract has the potential to reset the market, highlighting the importance for teams to secure their franchise quarterbacks swiftly. The San Francisco 49ers are in an interesting position with Brock Purdy.
Purdy has proven himself as the 49ers’ solution at quarterback, concluding a search that started after Colin Kaepernick’s time with the team. Though he was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has demonstrated he is fit for the role. However, he hasn’t yet entered into contract extension talks, and there’s an obvious reason for this.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains that the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) prohibits teams from renegotiating a player’s contract until they have finished their third season, including the regular season. As a result, the earliest the 49ers can extend Purdy’s contract is at the beginning of the 2024 playoffs.
This timing could benefit both parties. Purdy is set to earn just $960,000 in 2024, significantly below market value for a successful starting quarterback. An early extension would shield Purdy from the financial risk of a potential postseason injury. For the 49ers, securing Purdy’s contract early could be financially advantageous, helping them avoid the rising costs as other quarterback deals set new benchmarks. It would also provide a clearer picture of their long-term salary cap, which is essential for planning extensions for other key players on the roster.
As the 2024 playoffs draw near, all eyes will be on whether Purdy and the 49ers choose this strategy, potentially laying the groundwork for their future success.
