Imagine a rookie stepping up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, with the crack of a bat echoing like a Hollywood script. Now swap the diamond for the gridiron. That’s Brock Purdy—the NFL’s ultimate underdog, drafted dead last in 2022, now holding the fate of the 49ers’ checkbook. It’s the kind of twist even Field of Dreams couldn’t predict. But here we are. A former Mr. Irrelevant, demanding a paycheck that could buy a small island.

The 49ers’ offseason has been as chaotic as a Black Friday sale at Best Buy. Stars like Deebo Samuel vanished, leaving fans wondering: Is this a rebuild or a reload? Meanwhile, Purdy’s camp sits at the poker table, chips stacked high, waiting for San Francisco to call their bluff. Enter Chase Daniel, a 14-year NFL vet, tossing gasoline on the contract fire.

Daniel didn’t mince words on The Facility. “It would be concerning to me if they just give him $50 million. I believe he needs more. Look at the 11 or 12 highest-paid quarterbacks right now in the NFL,” he said. “Brock Purdy is a bargain at 50 M/Yr…. 49ers would be lucky to get him at that. He’s better than you think,” he added on X. His argument? Compare Purdy’s resume to peers like Justin Herbert and Jordan Love.

“Brock has done way more,” Daniel insisted, citing back-to-back NFC title games and a near-Super Bowl win. While critics nitpick Purdy’s 6‑11 stumble last year, Daniel counters with cold math. “It’s not like you’re throwing all this kind of money at him; $53-56 million dollars is a bargain for Brock Purdy, in my opinion,” Daniel added. And he’s better than you think. Purdy’s cap hit would be just 16.7% in 2025—lower than Dak Prescott (21.5%) or Patrick Mahomes (19%). “That’s a really reasonable deal,” he stressed. But here’s the thing.

Is Purdy truly a top-11 QB? Daniel admits, “Give or take, that’s fair.” However, he doubles down: “But when you look at the percentage of the salary cap, that’s what I want to do.” So, pay now, save later. The 49ers, however, seem stuck in neutral. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports talks are “not close,” leaving Purdy’s future as murky as a San Fran fog. Now, let’s rewind the tape.

The Purdy paradox: system QB or franchise savior?

Brock Purdy rocketed from clipboard holder to cult hero, turning “Mr. Irrelevant” into a merchandise goldmine. But last year’s collapse without his star weapons revived old doubts. Remember Jimmy G? Purdy’s stats mirror his predecessor’s—efficient, not electric. But Daniel argues Purdy’s intangibles—clutch grit, playoff poise—are priceless. “You’re talking about a guy who’s taken you to a Super Bowl and almost won a Super Bowl,” Daniel said. “[He’s] been to two separate NFC Championship Games. I believe he deserves more.”

Meanwhile, the 49ers’ wallet is already groaning. They just made George Kittle the NFL’s richest tight end ($19.1M/year), and Fred Warner’s megadeal looms. Purdy’s camp knows the math: San Francisco can’t afford to lowball him. As Daniel quipped, “You get those [deals] done, then you can focus on Brock.” Meanwhile, negotiations feel like a high-stakes game of Deal or No Deal.

Purdy’s camp wants $50M+; the 49ers are hedging. But history offers a clue: Teams that skimp on QBs end up like the post-Manning Colts—lost in the wilderness. Sure, Purdy’s no Dan Marino, but as Moneyball taught us, “It’s about getting things down to one number.” For San Francisco, that number starts with $50M.

Whether Purdy’s the next Tom Brady or a flash in the pan, one truth remains: In today’s NFL, you either pay your QB or pray for a miracle. “Fortune favors the bold,” Virgil wrote. But does it favor Brock Purdy? And more importantly—will the 49ers?

What’s your take: pay the man or play hardball?