Brock Purdy, famously known as the most recognizable Mr. Irrelevant in NFL history, stepped into the spotlight when he was selected as the last pick, 262nd overall, in the 2022 draft. Thrust into action as a rookie due to an injury to Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy didn’t lose a game until the NFC Championship against the Eagles, when he was sidelined early. In his second season, Purdy guided the San Francisco 49ers to a 12-5 record, securing the NFC’s top seed and a Super Bowl appearance. However, they fell just short in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last year, despite numerous injuries, particularly on offense, Purdy stood out as the team’s bright spot. However, many attribute his success to Kyle Shanahan’s game plan rather than to Purdy’s individual prowess. Undeterred, the 49ers rewarded Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history with $181 million guaranteed. At $53 million per year, Purdy surpasses Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ($52 million) but falls slightly short of Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow ($55 million).
Is Purdy the Answer to End the 49ers’ Title Drought?
The looming question is whether Purdy is the right man for the job. He is now the face of a franchise desperate to end a 31-year Super Bowl drought-one year longer than the Dallas Cowboys’ dry spell. The 49ers’ commitment to Purdy, paying him handsomely, is a gamble. His 2024 season was marred by the absence of Christian McCaffrey (Achilles injury) and Brandon Aiyuk (ACL/MCL tear), and he experienced a dip in performance. He had a career-low completion rate of 65.9% and a career-high 12 interceptions across 15 games. The team finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, which raises doubts about his ability to elevate the offense independently.
In March, the team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders and saw defensive departures, including Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and Dre Greenlaw. These moves were partly to accommodate Purdy’s contract, leaving the roster thinner. However, Purdy’s ability to lead the team through adversity, especially in his first three years, suggests he has potential. With a full offseason to focus solely on football, free from contract negotiations, Purdy has a chance to prove his worth.
Now the pressure on Purdy will be immense, given the franchise’s history and the expectations that come with such a payout. The 2025 season will be a critical test for Purdy, who needs to prove that he can be the franchise quarterback and finally lift the Lombardi Trophy.
Purdy Joins Elite Company as a Seventh-Round Success Story
Purdy’s journey from being the last draft pick to signing a record-breaking contract mirrors those of NFL legends like Julian Edelman, Bo Jackson, and Shannon Sharpe. All of these players were seventh-rounders who defied the odds. Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl LIII MVP, ranks high in Patriots history with 670 receptions, 6,822 yards, and 36 touchdowns, as well as 118 postseason catches and 1,442 yards. Bo Jackson, a 1987 pick, became a dual-sport All-Star. Sharpe, a Pro Bowler from 1992 to 1998, led the Broncos to back-to-back titles. He retired as the top receiving tight end and earned a Hall of Fame spot in 2011.
Like these players, Purdy aims to turn skepticism into success with the 49ers, who are banking on him to end their 31-year Super Bowl drought. His $265 million deal places him in their company but also challenges him to prove his worth amid high expectations and a thinning roster. The NFL is watching closely as Purdy’s story unfolds – a narrative of opportunity and pressure to join the greats.
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