"He's a $30,000,000 QB" - Julian Edelman doesn't hold back on Brock Purdy amid 49ers star's rumored $60,000,000 contract
Julian Edelman isn’t known for mincing his words, and his latest take on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is no exception. Purdy, whose current contract, valued at $3.7 million over four years, is under fire after a slew of inconsistent performances, raising questions about his worth in upcoming contract negotiations.
While appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Edelman highlighted Purdy’s indifferent form and potential as a franchise quarterback — particularly in light of rumors that the 49ers might lock him into a lucrative $60 million contract extension.
“This year will determine whether you’re a $30 million quarterback or a $50 million quarterback,” Edelman said. “Through the whole year, it looks more like he’s a $30 million quarterback, which is a great quarterback."
Brock Purdy party fizzling out in San Francisco: A season to forget
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in trouble after a disappointing 6-8 season, a far cry from their preseason Super Bowl shouts. Multiple injuries seem to have ravaged the team. sidelining key stalwarts like running back Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams. While the 49ers RB's PCL injury forces him out for the entire season, Williams is kept out by his lingering ankle issue, further compounding the team’s struggles.
Purdy exceeded expectations in 2023 by achieving 4,280 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. But despite the glorious stats coupled with playoff experience, he has also struggled in high-pressure situations. Cut to December 2024, it’s a completely different story for both Purdy and the 49ers. The urgency for a new contract looms as Purdy becomes eligible for an extension, leading the organization to assess if they should invest heavily or explore other options if they feel he isn't the long-term solution.
Amid rumors of a lucrative extension, Edelman laid out visible vulnerabilities this season that could lead to pitfalls if the 49ers rely on him as their franchise quarterback.
The real question is: Is he thriving because of Kyle Shanahan’s system, or does he have the talent to carry a team independently? For Edelman, this is where Purdy’s $30 million ceiling comes into focus.
“He's a good football player, but we're seeing his limitations when guys aren't playing and when there's excuses," the former New England Patriot wide receiver concluded.
With only a handful of games left this campaign, the 49ers are all but eliminated from playoff contention. For Purdy, however, the final stretch could be a great platform for him to silence critics and prove he can lead this team through adversity.
Meanwhile, the 49ers front office must leverage this opportunity to carefully assess Purdy before committing to a massive contract in a make-or-break year in 2025, allowing him to prove his worth in a more stable setup.