How Reported Lawrence Jags Deal Could Impact Purdy 49ers Extension originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers’ future hopes of signing Brock Purdy to a long-term contract extension in 2025 it became significantly more expensive following quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has reportedly agreed to terms with Jacksonville on a five-year, $275 million extension, with $200 million guaranteed on Thursday. Lawrence joins Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as the two highest-paid players in the NFL, with an average salary of $55 million per year.
Before the Lawrence deal, there was some belief that Purdy would receive an offer putting him in the $40 million per year range, but the market has risen and the Iowa State product will have significant leverage when he is eligible to sign a contract extension at the end of the 2024 season.
Purdy has a year less NFL experience than Lawrence, but is much more talented. The Jaguars quarterback has a 20-30 record in the regular season and 1-1 in the playoffs while earning a Pro Bowl nod.
The 49ers quarterback has a 17-4 regular season record and is 4-2 in the playoffs, earning Pro Bowl honors in just his second NFL season. The play-caller was also at the top of the various league metrics in 2023, including yards per attempt (9.6), yards per completion (13.9) and passer rating (113.0).
Lawrence’s only league leading statistic during his professional career occurred during his rookie season, when he recorded an NFL-record 17 interceptions. The Jaguars quarterback’s lack of success is part of what will make negotiations between the 49ers and Purdy’s representation even more challenging.
Of the NFL’s 10 highest-paid quarterbacks, Lawrence is one of three on the wrong side of the win/loss column. Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert (30-32) signed a four-year extension worth $262.5 million at an average salary of $52.5 million per year and the Arizona Cardinals extended Kyler Murray (28-36) with US$230.5 million and US$46.1 average annual salary.
The remaining seven quarterbacks have winning records as well as significant playoff experience like Purdy. If the #262 overall pick If the 2022 NFL Draft has a comparable 2024 season, the 49ers will have no choice but to get out their checkbook.
What the 49ers will need to pay to keep their winning player in the building will likely end up being a record deal with an average annual salary in excess of $50 million per year, like Burrow, the Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff ($53 million/year), Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens ($52 million/year), Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles ($51 million/year) and now Lawrence.
