Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
When the San Francisco 49ers selected Brock Purdy with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, few could have predicted the impact he would have on the team. Known colloquially as “Mr. Irrelevant” due to his draft position, Purdy has defied expectations, becoming the starting quarterback for the 49ers and leading them to an impressive record. But what’s even more remarkable is the value the 49ers are getting from Purdy’s contract, which is one of the most cost-effective deals in the league, especially for a starting quarterback.
Contents
Brock Purdy’s Rookie Contract with the 49ers
Brock Purdy’s journey from the 262nd pick to a starting NFL quarterback is nothing short of extraordinary. Drafted out of Iowa State by the 49ers, Purdy signed a four-year contract worth $3.7 million, with a modest $77,008 guaranteed. His average annual value (AAV) is a mere $934,252, according to Spotrac, which is incredibly low for a starting quarterback in the NFL.
In 2024, Purdy is set to earn a base salary of $870,000, with additional bonuses bringing his cap hit to $889,252. The contract details are as follows:
| Year | Base Salary | Bonuses | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $870,000 | $19,252 | $889,252 | $57,756 |
| 2024 | $985,000 | $19,252 | $1,004,252 | $38,504 |
| 2025 | $1,100,000 | $19,252 | $1,119,252 | $19,252 |
Comparing Purdy’s Contract to Other NFL Quarterbacks
When looking at the landscape of NFL quarterback salaries, Purdy’s contract is an outlier. In 2024, out of 86 quarterbacks on NFL rosters, 78 will make at least $1 million. Purdy is not among them, making him the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the league.
Here’s a look at the quarterbacks with the lowest AAV for 2024:
- Bryce Perkins (Rams) – $742,500
- Jake Browning (Bengals) – $750,000
- Bailey Zappe (Patriots) – $870,000
- Sam Ehlinger (Colts) – $902,677
- Tyson Bagent (Bears) – $906,667
- Brock Purdy (49ers) – $934,252
- Skylar Thompson (Dolphins) – $935,554
- Logan Woodside (Falcons) – $952,500
- Sam Howell (Commanders) – $1,005,400
- Tanner McKee (Eagles) – $1,006,630
It’s worth noting that many of the quarterbacks earning less than Purdy are backups or third-stringers, which makes Purdy’s value as a starter even more significant.
The Impact of Purdy’s Contract on the 49ers
The 49ers have been able to allocate significant financial resources to other positions thanks to Purdy’s affordable contract. They boast some of the highest-paid players at their respective positions, including a defensive end, running back, fullback, tight end, left tackle, and linebacker. Purdy’s deal has been instrumental in allowing the 49ers to maintain a competitive roster while staying within the salary cap.
Despite his low earnings, Purdy has performed admirably on the field. With a regular-season record of 10-1 since becoming the starter and a league-leading QBR, Purdy has proven to be an incredible bargain for the 49ers.
