49ers GM John Lynch reveals what makes Brock Purdy so impressive

All eyes will be on Brock Purdy this season as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback looks to prove he can live up to the five-year, $265 million contract extension he signed this offseason. The massive deal made Purdy the highest-paid player in franchise history and comes with heightened expectations—especially after San Francisco's disappointing 6-11 finish last year.

General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday morning, where he shared his thoughts on why he believes Purdy's newfound wealth won't alter the quarterback's mindset and approach.

"Brock doesn't change much, so the new contract hasn't changed Brock at all," Lynch said. "I think the biggest thing that's changed Brock this offseason is becoming a dad. He's really excited about that. But the way he goes about his work on the field, it's just impressive. Brock is who he is. He's never going to change, and we love that. We've got a ton of ton of belief in him, and he's earned that belief."

Purdy is entering his fourth NFL season, following an already remarkable start to his career, leading the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance within his first two years in the league.

"Everyone knows his story," Lynch continued. "... In the NFL, you earn everything you get. I don't think that could be any more true than with a guy like Brock Purdy, last player chosen in the draft, and he's just chipped away, and kind of taken down every barrier in his way. And he continues to do that on the field."

Despite his early success, Purdy still faces skepticism. In 2023, he set a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards, throwing 31 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. His production dipped in 2024, as he posted 3,864 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during an injury-plagued campaign for the 49ers. Critics used the downturn as evidence that Purdy struggles to carry the team when adversity strikes, questioning his status among the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

Lynch, however, believes that doubt only fuels his quarterback.

"I think Brock kind of gets a thrill out of when people doubt him," Lynch said. "But he just goes about his business, and those are the guys that really succeed, the guys that find a way to get a little better each day, each year, each month. And Brock's going to be that guy, and that's a tremendous leader for our team, and we're very fortunate and excited to have Brock a part of us."

As the 49ers gear up for the 2025 season, Purdy has the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and cement himself as one of the top playmakers in the NFL.