NFL quarterbacks have dominated the headlines this offseason, thanks to both signing multi-year extensions and engaging in contract negotiations with their teams. The stakes are high, as every new contract can reset the market, making it advantageous for teams to secure their franchise quarterbacks as soon as possible. The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in an intriguing situation with Brock Purdy.
Purdy has emerged as the 49ers’ answer at quarterback, ending a search that began after Colin Kaepernick’s tenure. Despite being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has shown he is the right man for the job. However, he hasn’t yet been involved in contract extension discussions, and there’s a clear reason for that.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) stipulates that teams cannot renegotiate a player’s contract until they have completed their third season, including the regular season. This means the earliest the 49ers can extend Purdy’s contract is at the start of the 2024 playoffs.
This timing could work out well for both sides. Purdy is set to earn just $960,000 in 2024, far below market value for a successful starting quarterback. An early extension would protect Purdy from the financial risk of a potential postseason injury. For the 49ers, locking in Purdy’s contract sooner rather than later could be financially beneficial. It would help the team avoid the escalating costs associated with waiting for other quarterback deals to set new benchmarks, and it would give the 49ers a clearer picture of their long-term salary cap. This foresight could prove crucial for planning extensions for other key players on the roster.
As the 2024 playoffs approach, all eyes will be on whether Purdy and the 49ers opt for this strategy, potentially setting the stage for their future success.
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