At first glance, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has built a quality resume to make him one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league this season. A 23-13 record as a starter, coupled with a Super Bowl and two conference title appearances show he has been able to win at an extremely high rate for any one starting quarterback.

Not everyone believes he should be among the highest paid players. And as his contract negotiations with the 49ers continue to stall, it may be time to question exactly if San Francisco even wants a deal done at this point. A high-ranking NFC personnel man who requested anonymity told Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame that the 49ers should not extend Purdy. “I’d play it out as long as possible without paying him if I was San Francisco, including using tags, etc.,” said the source via Verderame. “I think paying him $50-plus million is very risky.”

Not paying Purdy? As an updated strategy? That seems shocking. There are going to be people on either side of this debate regarding Purdy. Especially after the 49ers had a abysmal 2024 season that saw them finish 6-11 with many of their key starters going down with injuries.

San Francisco opened free agency with several losses along both sides of the ball to remain ready for any deal that comes for their starting quarterback. Owner Jed York has also made it clear that the team will eventually find a deal for Purdy. But the longer the stand-off goes on, the more obvious it is that the team sides are far apart on a deal.

And that isn’t something time can take care of so close to the 2025 Draft.