Brock Purdy came into this season with high expectations. Another good campaign would have helped him get a Dak Prescott-esque contract extension in 2025, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
The San Francisco 49ers finished the season 6-11 and failed to make the playoffs after losing in the Super Bowl last season. There is now uncertainty around the franchise signing Purdy to a big contract extension, and Kyle Shanahan recently talked about what he thinks of the quarterback.
Kyle Shanahan Is Confident About Brock Purdy
Purdy is coming off the worst season of his career, yet Shanahan and the team have faith in him. The 49ers head coach expressed his confidence in the quarterback and believes he can lead them to a Super Bowl.
“Brock is the leader of our team,” said Shanahan. “I’ve loved these three years with Brock. I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here. So, like, Brock’s been a stud.”
“He’s a guy who’s got a lot of confidence in him,” added Shanahan. “It starts with what he’s done on the field these last two and a half years, and [we’re] capable of winning the Super Bowl with him. We just almost did, and I know he’s capable of getting the Niners to the Super Bowl in the future.”
In 15 games this season, Purdy threw for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a career-high total of 12 interceptions. He also had the career-worst completion percentage (65.9%) and passer rating this season (96.1).
Purdy’s disappointing season was also due to injuries to the players around him. Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey missed significant time this past season, and the team is hopeful the quarterback could find his way again when the team is healthy.
The 49ers will have a fourth-place schedule next season and also have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If they play their cards right, the NFC West franchise will be a Super Bowl contender in the 2025 NFL season.
Purdy’s Latest Injury Could Be a Concern for the 49ers
Purdy suffered an injury in the 49ers’ Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions. The 49ers’ star reportedly had a bruise and nerve inflammation in his elbow, which Shanahan did not consider serious.
However, the 25-year-old quarterback has already suffered a significant injury to his elbow in the past. He tore his UCL in the 2023 NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and more injuries to the elbow are not a good sign for a quarterback.
49ers GM John Lynch of QB Brock Purdy and his upcoming contract: "What we know about Brock is that he's our guy. We have interest in him being around for a long, long time."
Purdy is now officially extension eligible.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 8, 2025
Although all signs point to the 49ers signing Purdy to a contract extension, the franchise has to be cautious with his elbow injuries.
Purdy’s performance this past season has definitely cost him some money, as another good campaign would have put him in a position to get top-tier money. Still, considering his current salary is around the $1 million mark, the Iowa State product might not hesitate in agreeing on a deal whenever he is offered one.
San Francisco has a good roster, but things will get tricky when they start paying their quarterback around $50 million/year. As a result, general manager John Lynch and Shanahan are under pressure to have a good draft to extend their Super Bowl window.