When Brock Purdy walked into Levi’s Stadium for his rookie camp in 2022, the last thing anyone thought was that “Mr. Irrelevant” would ever become the face of the 49ers’ future. Fewer still imagined he’d one day ink a $265 million contract. But just three years later, the 262nd pick in the draft is holding one of the richest deals in team history. There’s just one catch—it might also be one of the most expendable. In a twist that feels all too familiar, Purdy’s mega-deal now bears striking similarities to the one that Seattle just handed Sam Darnold.

The 49ers made headlines—and a whole lot of fans happy—by locking in Brock Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract extension through 2030. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and team owner Jed York had long expressed their intention to re-sign the franchise QB. Purdy himself was eager to get a deal done before training camp, and now it’s official.

Here’s what Purdy’s contract actually looks like:

• $100 million fully guaranteed
• $182.55 million in total guarantees (including injury)
• $40 million signing bonus
• $1.1 million base salary in 2025
• $100K workout bonuses and $850K in per-game roster bonuses (starting 2026)
• Cap hits under $31M for the first three years
• Cap spike to $57.6M in 2028
• Opt-out clause after 2026, allowing the 49ers to walk after paying approximately $115M

The key clause? A potential out after the 2026 season. If the 49ers feel the trajectory is off, they can move on by April 1, 2027. And the financial hit? Manageable.

So yes, while Brock Purdy‘s $53 million per year average places him 7th among QBs, the fine print makes clear—he’s still on a prove-it timeline. Beyond the eye-popping numbers, a deeper dive reveals something less discussed: the contract’s structure leaves the door wide open for an early exit. And it bears an eerie resemblance to the same “future-optional” structure deal the Seahawks gave to Sam Darnold.

In March 2025, Seattle inked Darnold to a 3-year, $100.5 million contract. Sounds impressive—until you look under the hood. Only the first year is truly secure, with $37 million paid upfront. After that? The team can move on with minimal dead cap. And now, it turns out Brock Purdy’s monster deal is built the same way.

Purdy has come a long way from his rookie $870,000 salary. His 2025 compensation alone—$40M in signing bonus plus base—is nearly 50x his prior AAV. But NFL teams pay for projection, not just past performance. And after a disappointing 2024 campaign where the Niners missed the playoffs, the front office isn’t hedging their entire future on nostalgia.

The numbers reflect a cautious optimism. If Purdy continues to evolve, the contract is fair value. If not, the team has options.

Brock Purdy thanks 49ers for the opportunity

Still, the quarterback is staying focused. In a recent interview with 49ers Webzone’s David Bonilla, Purdy called the deal “a huge blessing,” especially with it being wrapped before camp. “Everybody’s bought in right now, and we’re excited, obviously, to do more team activities and stuff as we move along the offseason. Having the contract done, it’s been a huge blessing for the whole team and organization,” he said.

He also waved off speculation that he’d offer the team a hometown discount. While fans once imagined he’d take less to help San Francisco build around him, the front office made clear they view him as a long-term QB1. 2025 is the measuring stick.

With Deebo Samuel traded to the Commanders and the offensive line reshuffling, it’s clear the Niners are entering a transition phase. Purdy, now 25, must lead a younger, less experienced offense with heightened scrutiny.

Despite the turbulence, there’s reason for optimism. His resume includes a 2023 Super Bowl berth, an NFC title comeback win, and a franchise record 4,280-yard season. But make no mistake—2025 and 2026 are now his window to prove he’s more than a one-hit playoff wonder. Because if the wins don’t come? The contract, like Darnold’s, is built to be a handshake, not a handcuff.

Brock Purdy earned his payday, but he’s not untouchable. In a league where upside has a shelf life, the 49ers just signed their QB to a deal that can vanish as quickly as it appeared. And for Purdy, that means every snap from here on out will come with the weight of $265 million—and a ticking clock.