Following Brock Purdy’s recent struggles in what is considered the worst game of his career, ex-NFL general manager Michael Lombardi is skeptical about the San Francisco 49ers ever agreeing to a $50 million annual salary for the quarterback.
Contrary to popular belief, Lombardi’s reservations aren’t solely tied to Purdy’s recent four-interception performance or a brief midseason slump. In an interview with Jason Fitz on the “Zero Blitz” podcast, Lombardi revealed that the 49ers are generally unwilling to invest such a substantial amount in a quarterback.
Lombardi’s stance is clear: the 49ers are not willing to be overly generous in contract negotiations. He advises Purdy, stating, “You can’t be the guy who eats at the table all the time. If you want $50 million, we’re not going to give it to you. If you want to stay here and be the quarterback of this team for the next 30 years, wanting to be the Tom Brady, like he did, we can pay you that.”
Drawing a parallel with Tom Brady’s illustrious career, Lombardi highlights Brady’s willingness to accept lower salaries during his time with the New England Patriots, never earning more than $23 million in a season despite achieving six Super Bowl victories.
Lombardi suggests that if Purdy aims for long-term success with the 49ers, emulating Brady’s approach would be more viable.
Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, currently earns $889,252 this season and is set to receive no more than $1.1 million in each of the next two years. The 49ers will need to assess Purdy’s long-term value as his rookie contract expires in 2026.
San Francisco has experienced quarterback transitions in recent years, from Jimmy Garoppolo to the acquisition and drafting of Trey Lance and subsequently Brock Purdy. Lombardi commends the 49ers for their strategy of building and finding a quarterback who complements their system.
Reflecting on Brady’s legacy, Lombardi emphasizes the importance of quarterbacks being willing to make financial sacrifices for the sake of team success. He suggests that Brock Purdy understands the dynamic and the potential consequences of demanding a high salary, acknowledging that head coach Kyle Shanahan might seek alternative options if the price becomes too steep.
In Lombardi’s view, this strategic approach to team building is crucial in the NFL, preventing teams from becoming overly dependent on individual players and fostering a more sustainable path to success.
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