Has Brock Purdy Shown Enough to Earn an Extension?
Brock Purdy has had one of the most successful starts to a career for a quarterback in NFL history. Does that mean he's proven? If for some reason he were to miss all of the upcoming season, would the 49ers still give him a massive contract extension next year?
Purdy is the 49ers' first Pro Bowl quarterback since Jeff Garcia, and he was an MVP finalist this past season. For a former seventh-round pick, he already has exceeded expectations.
But is he really a franchise quarterback? Franchise quarterbacks make more than $50 million per season these days. By the time Purdy is eligible for an extension, he could cost nearly $60 million per season. Right now, he costs the 49ers less than $1 million per season, which is a big reason why their roster is so good. He's essentially free. If he starts earning more than $50 million per season, the roster will lose lots of talent and he'll have to carry it. Is he that good?
He definitely is good, but he wasn't great in the playoffs. And when he faced good defenses that could play man-to-man coverage -- Cleveland, Kansas City -- he struggled.
Purdy's best attribute as a passer is his ability to throw with anticipation, which makes him deadly against zone coverage, because he can throw to spots before his receivers break.
Against man-to-man coverage, Purdy has to pick up a matchup he likes and fire the ball to a receiver who's tightly covered. In this case, anticipation isn't nearly as important as arm talent, which Purdy lacks.
You can bet Purdy will face more man-to-man coverage next season. If he proves he can beat it, he'll earn his extension.
He still has things to prove.
