Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua isn’t holding back when it comes to the future of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and his potential contract extension. On a recent episode of the “Games with Names” podcast, hosted by former Patriots wideout Julian Edelman, Nacua weighed in on whether Purdy should command a hefty price tag of over $50 million annually. His assessment? Not quite.
“I don’t think so,” Nacua stated, elaborating that he feels Purdy doesn’t fit into the high-40 million range either. Instead, he believes a contract in the lower $40 million segment is more appropriate. It’s clear that Nacua, while acknowledging Purdy’s abilities, sees the risks in overspending for a signal-caller who is still working to solidify his place as a franchise quarterback.
The 49ers and their fanbase, known as the Faithful, might find Nacua’s perspective a bit contentious, but the rationale behind his thoughts is certainly grounded in some solid reasoning. The argument isn’t solely about Purdy’s skill set; it’s also about the broader implications for the franchise’s financial flexibility. Investing more than $50 million annually in a quarterback comes with its own set of challenges, as it significantly constrains the salary cap, potentially hindering the team’s ability to retain other key players.
Now, Purdy has shown himself to be a noteworthy performer. In just two full seasons as a starter, he’s compiled impressive stats: 722 completions on 1,069 attempts, amassing 9,518 passing yards and 64 touchdowns. Those numbers, especially for someone drafted as Mr. Irrelevant, are indicative of a talent who could be on the verge of stardom—worthy of serious consideration for top-dollar deals.
It’s important to remember that while Nacua’s Rams had a competitive edge over the 49ers during the 2024 season, San Francisco is fresh off a narrow Super Bowl LVIII defeat. The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft could usher in changes, with the 49ers looking to bolster their roster further.
Ultimately, the choice that lies ahead for the 49ers regarding Purdy’s contract could shape the future of the franchise. If they decide to invest heavily in him, they might find themselves with a closed championship window due to the financial adjustments required to balance the rest of the team. It’s a tricky scenario that Nacua recognizes all too well. The stakes are high, and San Francisco must weigh the risks carefully moving forward.
