Brock Purdy had a statistical downturn in 2024 compared to his 2023 campaign that earned him MVP buzz. He was expected to sign a big contract extension in 2025, but his recent poor run of form has created doubts about him.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback was rumored to surpass Dak Prescott’s $60 million yearly salary with his new deal. Given how quarterback contracts have continued to swell, John Middlekauff worries about the 49ers if they sign Purdy to a top-end extension.
John Middlekauff Discusses Brock Purdy’s Contract Extension
In a recent segment on “3 and Out with John Middlekauff,” the former NFL scout discussed why the 49ers should hesitate in offering a big extension to their quarterback.
“I like Brock Purdy too, but before we even discuss money, let’s just discuss his play. He has been a turnover machine in the second half of these games,” Middlekauff said. “For whatever reason right now, Brock Purdy, over the middle of the field, is just not a reliable passer.”
He further said that Purdy does have the talent to play in the league and is a solid player. However, the 25-year-old quarterback’s decision-making needs to improve for him to take the next step.
“One of the knocks on Purdy coming out [of college], part of the reason he fell to the seventh round, wasn’t just his physical limitations, is because his last year in college, he was throwing picks nonstop, and you watch him down the stretch,” Middlekauf said. “He’s just become a turnover machine.”
After another brutal 49ers loss, @johnmiddlekauff has serious doubts about extending QB Brock Purdy on a huge contract pic.twitter.com/NIhSICJD6O
— 3&OUT with John Middlekauff (@3andout_pod) December 31, 2024
Purdy threw 33 interceptions in 48 games for Iowa State during his four-year college career. He has thrown a career-high 12 interceptions in 15 games this season, including two crushing ones in the Week 17 loss against the Detroit Lions.
“It’s a problem,” Middlekauff continued. “When we talk about this huge amount of money, like, I just think, how could you not be concerned? Honestly, how could you not be concerned? How could you be comfortable giving him this type of money when this is what’s going on?”
Purdy led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance last season and was destined to get a new contract. Unfortunately, his stock around the league has taken a huge hit this season, and that’s also because of the number of injuries San Francisco has dealt with.
The 49ers quarterback has played most of the season without Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk and with a regressed version of Deebo Samuel Sr.; he has thrown for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while having a career-low completion percentage (65.9) and passer rating (96.1).
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will play a big role in whatever the franchise decides to do with Purdy. The team has already traded away Trey Lance, the quarterback they selected after trading away multiple first-round picks, in favor of Purdy, which has reduced the franchise’s options at the quarterback position.
Purdy’s Recent Injury Makes Things Even Tougher for the 49ers
Purdy suffered an elbow injury in the loss against the Lions. He reportedly had a nerve issue in the same elbow which had to be surgically repaired after the 49ers quarterback tore his UCL in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Purdy avoided Tommy John surgery in 2023 after his UCL injury, but elbow issues are never good for a quarterback. However, Shanahan said Purdy suffered a right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation and he doesn’t think there will be any long-term issues.
The 49ers quarterback has always played well when he has his full supporting cast, so the franchise could still take the risk and sign him to an extension. Purdy was the last player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft and earns around just $1 million in yearly salary.
He deserves to be paid much more than that, and a potential scenario could be Purdy getting a deal similar to what Daniel Jones got with the New York Giants. A $40 million salary will be ideal for the franchise and the quarterback, as it will also give the 49ers flexibility to put good players around him.