Brock Purdy’s Negotiation Tactics Starting at $65 Million/Yr Did Not rattle 49ers

Brock Purdy was never going to be a $60+ million quarterback as originally feared, but still ends up with a sizeable $53 million/year deal.

Brock Purdy’s Negotiation Tactics Starting at $65 Million/Yr Did Not rattle 49ers

Brock Purdy started his negotiations with John Lynch at $65 million (Image via Imago)

No one ever expected Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy would rise through the ranks to become the de facto starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. That team is built to win a Super Bowl, and the last thing they expected was for a third string QB to lead them towards that goal.

But times have changed, and Purdy has displayed he has it in him to execute Kyle Shanahan‘s offense efficiently. As long as the other offensive pieces around him are healthy and playing to their best, they could go on to win the Super Bowl.

They did appear in one, and that loss was a mixture of some of Purdy’s problems with Shanahan’s lack of understanding the rules. Unfortunately, since then, the 49ers have not come close to living up to their expectations. Purdy did have some rather questionable moments, but the 49ers seem to believe he is their starting QB.

That faith saw the franchise hand the Iowa State alum a five-year, $265 million contract. But not everyone was convinced of Purdy earning $53 million per year. However, as per Adam Schefter, the quarterback’s negotiation skills may have played a hand.

There were multiple meetings between the two sides, and I think Brock Purdy’s initial asking price was north of $60 million. He was not going to get $60 million. They didn’t view him, right now, as this $60+ million quarterback. His initial ask, I believe, was about $65 million.

Adam Schefter said on Unsportsmanlike Radio

The ESPN NFL Insider added that since the San Francisco 49ers did not believe Brock Purdy was a $60+ million QB, they settled at $53. However, it is to be noted that no teams were interested in trading for the Arizona native.

3x Super Bowl champion details why Brock Purdy deserved $265 million deal

Whatever the negotiation tactics were, fans and analysts are still dumbfounded by the fact that the San Francisco 49ers handed Brock Purdy a $265 million deal. Usually, such deals go to QBs with exceptional arm talent or athletic abilities. But 3x Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth believes it is his other qualities that earned him that contract.

In my mind, he has earned it. Where his superpowers lie are within his ability to process information. Superpower 2, foot energy, and his ability to manipulate the pocket. He is so good in the pocket and his feet time up so well to his throws.

Mark Schlereth said on his podcast

The former two-time Pro Bowler guard believes Purdy’s talents are not what one usually associates with QBs earning that sort of money. That is probably why it was surprising to many that the 49ers agreed to such a deal.

Schlereth’s podcast partner was not initially convinced that the 49ers QB earned this contract. But understanding the nuances of what makes Purdy tick, seemingly convinced him as to why the franchise believes in Mr. Irrelevant.

Brock Purdy has to perform to justify his contract

Purdy might be happily pulling up to his bank knowing he now has generational money in his account, but with that sort of money comes expectations. Many quarterbacks have yet to justify their ridiculously massive deals and still face criticism wherever they go.

Pressure will be on Brock Purdy to win a Super Bowl
Pressure will be on Brock Purdy to win a Super Bowl (Image via Imago)

Considering how the 25-year-old has faced criticism in the past, expect it to grow multifold. Now, fans and analysts will be looking for every single point to blame the 49ers for handing him that deal. Every mistake he makes will be amplified.

The only solution is to lead the franchise to a Super Bowl. Do that, and just as Jalen Hurts is experiencing, all those critics will be shut for good. Even if he never wins a second ring, that one ring will be enough to turn the tables on his critics.

Also Read: