In today’s NFL, elite quarterbacks come with elite price tags. So it wasn’t a shock when the San Francisco 49ers locked in quarterback Brock Purdy with a five-year, $265 million extension on May 16, as reported by ESPN and NFL Network. Once considered “Mr. Irrelevant,” Purdy has proven too valuable for the 49ers to risk losing.
That raises the question: Where does this put Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff?
Goff signed a four-year, $212 million extension with the Lions in 2024, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history and, at the time, the sixth-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL by average annual value (AAV). Now, with Purdy’s new deal, the two quarterbacks are tied for the seventh highest AAV at $53 million per year.
QBs With Higher AAV Than Goff and Purdy:
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys) – $60 million
- Joe Burrow (Bengals), Josh Allen (Bills), Jordan Love (Packers), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) – all at $55 million
- Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) – $53.1 million
Yes, even Tagovailoa is ranked ahead of Goff—raising some eyebrows.
As for Purdy, his extension comes as he was entering the final year of his rookie deal. In three seasons, he’s led the 49ers to the playoffs twice, including a trip to the Super Bowl in his second year—after a comeback win over Goff’s Lions in the NFC title game. So far, Purdy has completed 67.5% of his passes for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, and placed fourth in MVP voting in 2023.
Expert Takes on the Purdy Contract
In a May 17 analysis, Patrick Holloway of Niners Nation praised Purdy’s decision to settle just over $50 million per year, instead of holding out for more.
“Could he have asked for Dak Prescott or Trevor Lawrence money? Probably. Is he better? His track record says maybe,” Holloway wrote.
He also pointed out that Purdy’s slightly lower AAV allows the team to invest in other key areas like offensive line help or maintaining receiver talent.
A fan weighed in, saying Purdy’s contract seems fair, especially after a shaky 2024 season and some physical limitations. “Positioning him around Jared Goff sounds about right,” the commenter said. “If he improves, it’s a bargain—assuming the 49ers finally give him better protection up front.”
