The San Francisco 49ers have initiated contract negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy, marking a pivotal moment for both the player and the team as Purdy enters his final year on one of the NFL's most favorable rookie contracts.
General Manager John Lynch confirmed the beginning of discussions at the NFL scouting combine, emphasizing the team's commitment to retaining Purdy. "We have started negotiations," Lynch stated. "We’re talking. I won’t go to negotiations like always is our stance. I want Brock to be our quarterback as long as we’re here and beyond and we’ll leave it at."
Purdy, who was selected last overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, quickly outperformed his contract expectations by leading the 49ers to impressive playoff runs. After setting high marks as the starter, finishing fourth in MVP voting last year, Purdy is now poised to negotiate terms for his first professional extension. He earned less than $1 million per year on his rookie deal but stands to command significantly more with the proven performance escalator set to kick his pay up to approximately $5.2 million under league rules after earning Pro Bowl honors last season.
Despite having faced obstacles during his last season, including injuries to key offensive players, Purdy's potential remains unquestioned. His performance has set the stage for what could soon be one of the more lucrative quarterback deals, likely exceeding $50 million annually based on his capabilities. "The final thing is there’s no guarantee we get something done," Lynch cautioned, conveying the need for both sides to remain motivated to reach a satisfactory outcome.
Simultaneously, Lynch addressed other pressing issues within the 49ers organization. One significant topic is wide receiver Deebo Samuel's trade request. Lynch confirmed the team has granted Samuel permission to seek potential trades following a subpar 2024 campaign riddled with injuries. "Deebo asked for a fresh start and I think we’re going to honor it," he said, noting their amicable relationship and respecting Samuel's decision.
Samuel's production has seen notable declines since signing his three-year extension. After achieving All-Pro status with 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns, he managed only 670 receiving yards last season, failing to reach 900 yards for another year. The 49ers now face the challenge of considering how his departure would affect the team’s overall offense moving forward.
During the conference, Lynch also provided updates about the recovery of Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams, both key figures who suffered injuries last season. Lynch relayed optimistic news concerning McCaffrey's status, stating, "He’s doing great" as he aims to participate in offseason training. McCaffrey, who had been sidelined since December with knee issues, bounced back following another challenging season where injuries limited his contributions.
Meanwhile, Lynch confirmed left tackle Trent Williams is ready to return after missing the final seven games of the season due to ankle issues. At 37 years old, Williams remains solidified as one of the league’s premier tackles and is viewed as integral to the 49ers’ offensive line. Lynch expressed confidence: "Trent is playing. He’s ready. He's really motivated to come back."
The team also faced the surprising departure of quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, who chose to step down to focus on family commitments after three seasons with the 49ers. Griese's impact was felt not just among quarterbacks but also instrumental in the drafting and development of talent, particularly Purdy. Lynch stated it was a difficult but principled decision by Griese: "He had made it clear he wanted to spend more time with his family," highlighting the respect the organization has for his choices.
Overall, the 49ers stand at a crossroads with Brock Purdy poised for negotiations amid potential trades and returns from injury-plagued seasons. With the future of several core players uncertain, the next steps taken by the organization will significantly shape the coming years.