Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver, is a serious financial need for the 49ers this summer. However, quarterback Brock Purdy will be qualified for a new contract by this time next year. Considering the circumstances of his first two NFL seasons, the latter is expected to receive a sizable raise.

During the 2022 season, Purdy filled in for an injured Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, leading the team to the NFC championship game. Even though he had a serious elbow injury in that game, the erstwhile “Mr. Irrelevant” was unquestionably San Francisco’s starting pitcher going into the 2023 campaign. His performance throughout the most of the year did not change that in the long run.

The 24-year-old had an outstanding performance in the NFL in the passing rating (113) and other areas, building on his success as a rookie. Purdy solidified his position as a franchise quarterback by earning a Pro Bowl selection and placing fourth in the MVP voting. The 49ers CEO, Jeff York, is well aware of the rising market value for players who meet that criteria.

“When we signed Jimmy several years ago, it was the largest deal in the history of the NFL, for three minutes,” York said, via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. “But Jimmy was at [$27.5MM per year]. That’s what the market is and you have to accept the reality of the world. To me, the quarterback is the most important position not just in football, but all of sports, and those guys should be paid a lot of money.”

In terms of annual average worth, four quarterbacks—all ascending passers who accepted massive extensions last offseason—have crossed the $50MM threshold. Those who could also hit that threshold are Trevor Lawrence and Dak Prescott, and a trade with either of them would enhance the already profitable situation the quarterback position is in. If Purdy can continue to be a vital member of San Francisco’s offense, he will have a lot of negotiating leverage in the upcoming offseason. Purdy has two years left on his rookie contract and is owed $985K in 2024.

Though they are already signed for at least one more season, Aiyuk, fellow receiver Debbie Samuel, left tackle Trent Williams, running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end George Kittle are all among that unit’s other best performers. If an extension can be arranged, Aiyuk will become a financial commitment in 2025, just like the others. If a Purdy extension is approved, San Francisco’s cap position will look substantially different, but York’s remarks indicate that it will be an extremely expensive undertaking long before that happens.