The San Francisco 49ers face a significant decision this offseason regarding whether to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, who is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. Purdy, who was famously drafted as the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is reportedly seeking a lucrative deal worth $60 million per year. This has sparked debate, including a critique from Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd, who expressed concern over Purdy’s asking price.
Cowherd compared the situation with Purdy to the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott’s contract. He argued that paying a “B to B+” quarterback like Prescott A+ money has hindered the Cowboys’ ability to build a competitive roster. He pointed to the difference between the Cowboys and the Eagles, suggesting that overpaying Prescott has limited the Cowboys’ ability to compete at the highest level.
Cowherd also drew attention to the example of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where quarterback Baker Mayfield earns a more modest $33 million annually. He suggested that Mayfield’s contract offers better value, comparing it to Purdy’s potential deal and saying, “I’d take Baker over Brock Purdy in a second,” indicating that the Buccaneers are getting a better deal for a similar level of quarterback play.
To explain his stance, Cowherd categorized quarterbacks into three groups based on their worth relative to a $50 million annual salary. The first group consists of elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, who are worth the high price tag. The second group includes quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield, where the salary demand is reasonable but negotiable.
Purdy, according to Cowherd, falls into the third category. He believes that paying Purdy $50 million annually would be a mistake, comparing it to overpaying for a car. Cowherd likened Purdy to a car that’s overhyped, drawing a parallel to a Civic being priced at $100,000, suggesting that it doesn’t make sense to pay such a premium for something that isn’t quite worth it.
Despite Cowherd’s skepticism about Purdy’s asking price, there’s no denying that Purdy has had an impressive start to his career. As a starter, he has posted a 23-13 record in the regular season, throwing for 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He earned a Pro Bowl selection last season after leading the NFL in several key statistics, including touchdown percentage, yards per pass attempt, passer rating, and QBR.
Purdy’s success extends beyond the regular season into the playoffs. He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season and appeared in the Super Bowl the following year. In six playoff games, he boasts a six-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio, and he has thrown for over 250 yards in four of those six games, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
In conclusion, Cowherd argued that paying a quarterback like Purdy $50 million per year would be a mistake. He believes that doing so would hinder the 49ers’ ability to build a championship-caliber roster. While Purdy has shown flashes of brilliance, Cowherd maintains that overpaying for a “B” level quarterback would ultimately prevent the 49ers from winning Super Bowls.
