Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in a must-win game. The team was 6-7 heading into this fixture and needed a result in their favor for playoff aspirations.
The 49ers came up short against the Rams, losing 12-6 in a rain-affected game in which no touchdown was scored. San Francisco had the opportunity to take the lead or at least tie the game, but Purdy threw a silly interception with five minutes left on the clock. It sealed the win for the Rams, and the 49ers’ quarterback was heavily criticized for his mistake.
Nick Wright and Others Called Out Brock Purdy for Interception
Nick Wright has consistently said that Purdy is not an elite quarterback and doesn’t deserve to be paid top-of-the-market money. He once again brought up that question after the interception, and rightfully so.
“[$]60 million a year? Y’all sure about that?” questioned Wright about Purdy’s potential contract extension.
Here’s how some other people from the NFL world reacted to the interception:
Why?? Check it down to the flat and you’re in FG range. pic.twitter.com/tVEXcJLhlU
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 13, 2024
“That’s a really BAD pick,” Colin Cowherd said.
“Brock Purdy did not show up tonight in a big way when the 49ers needed him the most in a must-win game. Can’t imagine a world where they make the playoffs now,” wrote former NFL player Chase Daniel about the 49ers QB.
The 49ers struck gold by drafting Purdy with the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the quarterback has done a great job. However, some may argue that he isn’t on the same level as Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford, or Jordan Love, who are among the QBs with the largest deals in the NFL.
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The 24-year-old quarterback has been criticized for his struggles whenever he doesn’t have his full supporting cast. Since Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams have missed time this year, Purdy hasn’t had as strong of a supporting cast as in years past.
With the loss to the Rams, the 49ers are unlikely to make the playoffs. They should already be looking forward to the offseason, as many of their key players will be free agents. They have to sort out contract situations and potentially cut ties with some of them, including Deebo Samuel Sr.
Should the 49ers Wait Before Paying Purdy?
Purdy still has one year left on his rookie deal, and the 49ers should wait before paying him. The 49ers star has shown that he can play well when surrounded by great players, but once he starts getting paid over $60 million instead of the roughly $1 million he currently earns, the team cannot provide him with as good of a supporting cast.
In 13 games this year, Purdy has thrown for 3,174 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He is completing 65% of his throws, which is worse than either of his first two seasons in the league.
must-win game pic.twitter.com/eEVbFJmhs0
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 13, 2024
The Iowa State product deserves a contract extension but arguably should not exceed Prescott’s contract. Otherwise, the 49ers will continue to have subpar rosters, which could potentially lead to more struggles for Purdy.
Even if Purdy isn’t on the same level as the league’s elite quarterbacks, getting a player of even his caliber is quite tough. However, it would be better if the 49ers waited another year, as it would provide an even bigger sample size to judge the true worth of their quarterback.