Whether it was five, 10, or even 30 years ago, not a single fan envisioned an NFL franchise would be led to the Super Bowl by the final pick of the draft.
Brock Purdy has rewritten the way scouts and front offices can now view the last draft pick. He’s gone from the quarterback who nearly went undrafted to being one victory away from ending the San Francisco 49ers‘ Super Bowl title drought. And he’s pulled it off while being immensely underpaid compared to his QB brethren.
Examining Brock Purdy’s Salary With the San Francisco 49ers
Long story short, Purdy doesn’t make millions with his 49ers deal.
Being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy is still on his rookie contract. He was given a four-year deal for only $3.7 million and a signing bonus of $77,000.
During the time he was buried in a depth chart that once had Trey Lance as the QB1 and Jimmy Garoppolo hanging around the roster, Purdy was earning a base salary of $705,000.
That’s a deal given to a man who has become beloved in his position the same way franchise legends Steve Young and Joe Montana were revered. However, he did notice a spike — both in stats and finances.
Purdy put together a Most Valuable Player-caliber season, guiding the 49ers to the NFC’s top seed. He produced 4,280 yards, tossed 31 touchdowns, and was intercepted just 11 times. He also led the league in touchdown percentage at 7.0% while delivering a league-best 113.0 QB rating.
While Purdy put up stellar numbers, he saw his base salary jump to $870,000 during 2023. He’s expected to earn even more after the Super Bowl — as his 2024 numbers are projected to hit $985,000.
And when will Purdy see the millions mark? Not until the 2025 season — when he’ll earn $1.1 million.
Still, his contract is nowhere near the following deals:
- Joe Burrow: The Cincinnati Bengals QB will earn $65.714 million in cash in 2024.
- Justin Herbert: The Los Angeles Chargers star will reel in $56.6 million next season.
- Deshaun Watson: Despite not playing a full season as a Cleveland Brown due to injuries and suspension for off-the-field conduct, Watson earned $46 million in 2023.
Watson even makes more than Purdy’s opposing quarterback on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes — who makes $44.5 million for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Is Purdy Making Less Than Some Backup QBs?
While Purdy is witnessing a slight pay increase, he’s earning peanuts and potato chips with the deal he has.
That deal also pays him less compared to even some backup quarterbacks in the league.
Per Spotrac, Purdy holds the 58th-highest QB contract right now. Here’s who will make more than the MVP finalist in 2024, including one notable former 49er:
- Hendon Hooker: The rookie QB drafted by the Detroit Lions will earn $1,009,956 for base salary in 2024.
- Trey Lance: Even the ousted 49ers QB, who was dealt away after S.F. became convinced in favor of Purdy, will earn more money in base salary at $1,055,000.
- Zach Wilson: The New York Jets’ passer, who was demoted to backup once the team traded for Aaron Rodgers before reassuming the reins momentarily after Rodgers’ Achilles tear, makes the same amount as Lance.
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- Tim Boyle: The third QB option for the Houston Texans earns $1,125,000 with his base salary in 2024.
- Davis Mills: Staying with the Texans, their former QB1 Mills will rake in $1,372,104.
Purdy remains in the “underpaid” category, given how much he earns compared to the aforementioned passers. But if he guides the 49ers to the Super Bowl win over Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Niners may have to soon consider making Purdy way wealthier than he is now.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
