Following his remarkable journey from being dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the 262nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft to leading the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season and subsequently guiding them to this Sunday’s Super Bowl, quarterback Brock Purdy has defied all odds and proven his worth.
Despite being labeled as inconsequential due to his low draft selection, Purdy’s performance this past regular season has been nothing short of outstanding. At just 24 years old, he ranked fifth in total passing yards, third in passing touchdowns, and first in passer rating, surpassing even his upcoming Super Bowl opponent, Patrick Mahomes, in several categories.
Yet, despite his exceptional play, Purdy’s salary remains modest, a reflection of his initial draft position. This presents a significant advantage for the 49ers, allowing them to allocate resources elsewhere while benefiting from Purdy’s talent on the field.
With Purdy at the helm, the 49ers have amassed an impressive record of 21 wins and five defeats since he assumed the starting quarterback role midway through last season. His total compensation for the season was a mere $870,000, among the lowest for starting quarterbacks in the league.
In contrast, Mahomes, who earned significantly more, incurred a higher cost per win, touchdown pass, and passing yard. This highlights the economic value that Purdy brings to the 49ers, enabling them to build a formidable roster across all positions despite the constraints of the salary cap.
Purdy’s exceptional performance on a modest salary allows the 49ers to adopt a sustainable approach to squad building, ensuring their status as Super Bowl contenders for the foreseeable future. With two years remaining on his current deal, Purdy’s contract stands as one of the best-value deals in sports, a testament to the 49ers’ shrewd decision-making in selecting him in the draft.
