The 49ers quarterback has been the subject of quite a number of controversial takes this offseason.
When it comes to the San Francisco 49ers, the biggest talking point this offseason has been quarterback Brock Purdy, who was extended on a massive five-year, $265 million deal back in May.
Purdy, 25, had finished three seasons in the NFL and his second as a full-time starter, throwing for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions as the 49ers went just 6-11 in a down year.
Nonetheless, the 49ers were confident that Purdy was their franchise quarterback, working quickly to secure a long-term extension that keeps the ascending star through the 2030 season.
With the deal, Purdy is now paid like a top-10 quarterback, falling in the ranks of Jared Goff, Tua Tagovailoa, Jordan Love, and others.
However, there hasn’t been as much support for the 49ers quarterback after a “down” year, with many pointing to his inability to lead the team in close games. Given the discourse around Purdy this offseason, has the 49ers quarterback become underrated?
CBS Sports’s Cody Benjamin listed out the NFL’s most overrated and underrated quarterbacks in a ranking, and Purdy made the list in the latter section.
“The pendulum swings back and forth in NFL conversations, and it’s swung more dramatically for Purdy than just about any player,” Benjamin wrote. “First he was the darling of the league, going from ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ to improbably poised point guard for Kyle Shanahan’s title contender.
“Then he was just a pawn of Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers attack. Critics got even more fuel in 2024, when the fragility of the 49ers’ lineup finally exacerbated his struggles when playing from behind. Maybe he’s not the prototype that is Allen or Jackson. But Purdy is still the best, most dynamic, most collected quarterback of the Shanahan era, far more capable of extending and creating plays than many suggest.”
Benjamin expects a bounce-back season for Purdy “with top-10 production thanks to his supporting cast returning to health.”
The 49ers signal-caller was one of three underrated quarterbacks listed, joining Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
On the flip side, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray were listed as the three most overrated signal-callers in the NFL.
To Benjamin’s point, Purdy should have a healthier supporting cast in 2025 if all goes according to plan. Christian McCaffrey is back to 100 percent after playing in only four games last year. He himself elevates San Francisco’s offensive ceiling drastically.
Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk should return at some point this year, with midseason seeming like a realistic goal. However, it’s unclear how the 49ers star will look in his return, so his production is seen as more of a wildcard.
But, Ricky Pearsall will look to take the next step in Year 2, while younger players like Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins could have amplified roles earlier in the offseason.
Most importantly, Trent Williams is looking healthy up front, bringing a stable piece at left tackle. San Francisco doesn’t have the depth it had in 2024, so an injury to one of their tackles could prove costly.
The supporting cast will likely be a big factor, but Purdy seems to have the pieces for a bounce-back season. With a major contract in the fold, the pressure is on for the 49ers quarterback to produce in 2025.