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Colin Cowherd Thinks 49ers' Decision On Brock Purdy Is Easy

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 24, 2024 3:37 PM ET

Colin Cowherd doesn't think the San Francisco 49ers should be in any rush to pay Brock Purdy.

Currently making a $985,000 base salary in his third year, Purdy is probably the NFL's most underpaid player. That may not remain the case much longer, as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft is under contract through the 2025 season. The 49ers, eliminated from the playoffs last Sunday, could look to extend Purdy this offseason.

However, Cowherd cautioned them not to make Purdy one of the game's highest-paid quarterbacks.

"They would be insane to sign Brock Purdy early to a big-money contract," Cowherd said on Monday's show.

Facing injuries to his star-studded cast, Purdy has 17 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a career-low 94.4 quarterback rating. Cowherd wasn't impressed with the 24-year-old's performance in Sunday's 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins despite receiving a huge game from Deebo Samuel with a healthy George Kittle.

Jordan Love and Trevor Lawrence each received massive extensions with a $55 million average annual salary before the 2024 season. Cowherd thinks it's a mistake to give that to a "solid" Purdy, who's only productive "if everything is in line."

"If you want to be a $55 million quarterback, it's not about how good are you when everything's perfect," Cowherd said. "It's about when you're missing a piece or two ... I don't want to hear they don't have Christian McCaffrey."

Cowherd called Purdy a "classic if quarterback" and contrasted that with Jayden Daniels, who led the Washington Commanders to a comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles with five passing touchdowns. Conversely, Cowherd doesn't believe Purdy possesses standout traits or the ability to carry an offense.

"IF he has a great defense. IF he has excellent protection. IF the weather is good, he can win a lot of games ... Purdy's success is contingent on other people's availability and health and talent. That's a $35 million quarterback," Cowherd declared.

Perhaps thinking of Purdy's holiday gifts to his offensive linemen, Cowherd said Purdy is a trailer being pulled by his teammates rather than a truck lifting them.

San Francisco may not take Cowherd's advice. The Athletic's Dianna Russini said the 49ers are "committed" to Purdy.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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