Brock Purdy’s Future with the 49ers: Franchise Quarterback or System Player?

The San Francisco 49ers face a pivotal decision in the coming years regarding Brock Purdy’s contract extension. The former seventh-round pick has exceeded all expectations, leading the Niners to the Super Bowl in just his second season as a starter. However, the debate over whether Purdy is a true franchise quarterback or simply a product of Kyle Shanahan’s system remains a hot topic.

NFL analyst Nick Wright recently suggested that the 49ers should not rush into giving Purdy a massive extension, stating that he would offer Purdy an “almost insulting” deal and force him to prove himself without an elite supporting cast.

This raises several key questions:

• Is Purdy a legitimate franchise quarterback worthy of a $50M+ per year contract?
• How much does Shanahan’s system contribute to his success?
• What should the 49ers do when it’s time to extend his deal?

In this article, we’ll break down Purdy’s performance, system dependence, market value, and the best course of action for San Francisco moving forward.

1. Brock Purdy’s Rise to Stardom

A Cinderella Story

Brock Purdy was the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, famously earning the title “Mr. Irrelevant.” No one expected him to become a key piece in the 49ers’ offense so quickly. However, when injuries forced him into the starting role in Week 13 of the 2022 season, Purdy never looked back.

In his first two seasons as the 49ers’ starter:

• Record: 17-4 (including playoffs)
• Completion Percentage: 68.7%
• Passing Yards: 7,623
• Touchdowns/Interceptions: 48 TDs / 15 INTs
• Passer Rating: 107.3

Purdy’s ability to execute Kyle Shanahan’s offense with precision made the 49ers one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL.

2023 Season Performance

Purdy’s 2023 season was arguably MVP-worthy:

• 4,280 passing yards (led the NFC)
• 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
• 72.2 QBR (2nd in the NFL)

His deep-ball accuracy improved, and he showed poise in the biggest moments, including game-winning drives in the regular season and playoffs.

But does that make him a franchise QB, or is he simply benefiting from his environment?

2. Is Purdy a System Quarterback?

Purdy has benefited from an elite play-caller, offensive weapons, and a strong defense. Let’s break it down.

Kyle Shanahan’s Quarterback-Friendly System

Kyle Shanahan is known for designing quarterback-friendly schemes. His offense relies on:

• Play-action passing to create easy reads
• Quick throws to maximize yards after catch (YAC)
• Motion-heavy pre-snap looks to confuse defenses

Shanahan’s system has produced great numbers for multiple quarterbacks:

• Jimmy Garoppolo (2017-2022): 67.6% completion, 8.3 YPA, 99.2 passer rating
• Matt Ryan (2016 MVP season under Shanahan): 69.9% completion, 9.3 YPA, 117.1 passer rating
• Brock Purdy (2022-2023): 68.7% completion, 9.0 YPA, 107.3 passer rating

This raises the concern: is Purdy truly elite, or is he just another product of Shanahan’s system?

Elite Supporting Cast

Purdy plays with some of the NFL’s best playmakers:

• Christian McCaffrey (MVP-caliber running back)
• Deebo Samuel (elite YAC ability)
• Brandon Aiyuk (No. 1-caliber receiver)
• George Kittle (top-3 tight end)

This means Purdy doesn’t have to carry the team like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. Instead, he gets the ball to his weapons and lets them work.

Advanced Metrics: Is He Really a Top-10 QB?

Let’s look at how Purdy stacks up against elite QBs in advanced stats:

While Purdy excels in efficiency stats, he doesn’t take as many deep shots or make as many “big-time throws” as Mahomes or Allen.

Can He Thrive Without an Elite Team?

This is the key question. If the 49ers lose some key players, can Purdy carry the team like Mahomes, Burrow, or Allen?

That’s what Nick Wright was suggesting when he said:

“If Purdy looks great without a super team, then you pay him. But if he struggles, he’s just another system guy.”

3. What Should the 49ers Do?

Purdy’s Potential Contract

If Purdy continues playing at a high level, he’ll likely ask for a contract in the $50M per year range, similar to:

• Joe Burrow (Bengals): $55M per year
• Justin Herbert (Chargers): $52.5M per year
• Lamar Jackson (Ravens): $52M per year
• Jalen Hurts (Eagles): $51M per year

Does Purdy deserve Mahomes/Burrow money? Or is he closer to a Jared Goff or Kirk Cousins type?

Option 1: Pay Him Big Money Now

Pros:
✅ Locks in a QB long-term
✅ Avoids salary cap inflation (QB salaries keep rising)
✅ Keeps the team stable

Cons:
❌ Limits spending on other star players
❌ Risky if Purdy regresses

Option 2: Wait and See

Pros:
✅ Ensures Purdy isn’t a one-hit wonder
✅ Keeps financial flexibility

Cons:
❌ Might make Purdy unhappy
❌ Contract price could go way up if he has another elite year

Option 3: Offer a Team-Friendly Deal

Pros:
✅ Allows 49ers to keep McCaffrey, Deebo, Kittle, etc.
✅ Helps long-term cap flexibility

Cons:
❌ Purdy may refuse
❌ Could create locker room tension

The best-case scenario for San Francisco is if Purdy accepts a team-friendly deal like Tom Brady did with the Patriots. That would allow them to stay competitive for years.

4.: Is Purdy Worth a Massive Extension?

Right now, Brock Purdy is an excellent quarterback, but he hasn’t yet proven he can carry a team without elite talent.

The 49ers must be careful before offering a $50M+ per year contract. If Purdy continues to thrive, then he deserves the long-term payday. But if his success is more about Shanahan’s system and elite weapons, then San Francisco should explore alternatives.

For now, the best move might be waiting one more year to see how Purdy plays in 2025 before committing to a massive extension.