49ers GM reveals how Brock Purdy 'changed' after signing extension

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is convinced that quarterback Brock Purdy will "continue to elevate his game and continue to play at a high level" after receiving a five-year, $265M contract extension in May. 

During a Thursday appearance on San Francisco radio station KNBR, 49ers general manager John Lynch explained why he believes Kittle's take about Purdy will prove to be spot on. 

The biggest thing that's changed Purdy is...

"Brock doesn't change much, so the new contract hasn't changed Brock at all," Lynch said, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "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 belief in him, and he's earned that belief."

A team executive and a "high-ranking NFC personnel man" were among those in the NFL community who advised Lynch to keep Purdy in the final year of his inexpensive rookie deal for as long as possible. It's unclear if Purdy would've held out through training camp had he not signed an extension, which includes $181M in guarantees and a no-trade clause. The 2023 MVP finalist revealed in June that he learned at the end of 2024 that the club would make him an offer at some point before September. 

Purdy recently suggested he still has a chip on his shoulder over being the final pick of the 2022 draft, and because he has repeatedly been referred to as a "game manager" throughout his pro career. Lynch indicated Purdy isn't at all bitter and instead welcomes the motivation to prove critics wrong. 

How Purdy responds to doubters

"I think Brock kind of gets a thrill out of when people doubt him," Lynch added. "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 of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 49ers and Washington Commanders tied for fourth among the betting favorites at +900 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX. 

Purdy and Co. will begin their pursuit of a conference title when San Francisco faces the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. On Thursday, ESPN Bet had the 49ers as 2.5-point favorites.