San Francisco, CA – May 29, 2025
Brock Purdy just secured the biggest contract in San Francisco 49ers history — a five-year, $265 million extension that places him among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. For a player once dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” it’s a storybook moment. But not everyone is celebrating.
While many inside the 49ers organization see the deal as a long-term investment in their franchise quarterback, some former players and analysts are raising eyebrows. Among the most vocal is former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who currently trains 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk. And in his view, the 49ers paid too much.
"I believe they did overpay for Brock Purdy," Houshmandzadeh said in a recent interview. "I would have given him $47 million a year, max. You look at last season — he went 1-6 against playoff teams. When we needed him the most, he couldn’t really get it done.”
That criticism isn’t without some statistical backing. In 2024, Purdy threw for 3,864 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 65.9% of his passes. While those numbers are respectable, they mark a noticeable drop from his 2023 output, when he passed for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns with just 11 picks. His efficiency and composure — hallmarks of his breakout — seemed to waver under the weight of injuries and mounting expectations.
But context matters. Christian McCaffrey missed time. Trent Williams was sidelined. Brandon Aiyuk battled injuries. The offense around Purdy wasn’t fully intact, and the pressure to carry a battered roster fell squarely on his shoulders. Still, critics argue that elite quarterbacks should thrive in adversity — especially those commanding $53 million per year.
Inside the 49ers building, however, the belief in Purdy hasn’t wavered.
"We’re building around the guy because we’ve seen what he can be when the lights are brightest," said one team source. "He’s young, tough, smart, and already has playoff wins under his belt. You don’t let that walk away.”
At 25 years old, Purdy remains the centerpiece of San Francisco’s Super Bowl hopes. The contract cements his role, but also amplifies the expectations. For better or worse, he’s no longer a feel-good underdog story. He’s the face of a franchise with a championship-or-bust mentality.
And with that title comes scrutiny. Every throw, every loss, every playoff drive will now be judged through a $265 million lens. For Purdy, the journey isn’t over — it’s just beginning. But as the cheers fade, he’ll have to tune out the doubters and prove that the 49ers didn’t just pay big — they paid right.
