The first answer is obvious, but who is the second choice?
While the 49ers are resetting their roster and salary cap this offseason, two players are still due extensions before training camp. The obvious answer is Brock Purdy, who has overperformed his draft capital and salary and is due a market-value contract extension. The second answer is a player coming off another stellar season. George Kittle continues to roll into his 30s and desires to retire as a 49er.
Pro Football Focus selected both players as two of the 20 NFL players next up for big extensions, with Purdy at the top of the list. Bradley Locker shared his thoughts on both situations.
Brock Purdy
Purdy headlined the list of players playing above their pay grade in October, and he maintained that level of excellence throughout the 2024 season. His 82.4 PFF overall grade slotted 10th among qualifying quarterbacks, and he’s reached a 75.1 PFF passing grade or better every season since his debut in 2022. The former 263rd overall pick will soon become one of the NFL’s highest-paid players — it’s only a matter of if he will tie Dak Prescott at $60 million per year.
While it’s possible Purdy seeks a deal close to Prescott’s annual value, reports have indicated Purdy’s deal to sit in the 50-55 million dollar range. The QB market has exploded and comparing Purdy’s resume to the players in that range is a compelling case for the former Iowa State quarterback. Only time and contract structure will tell for the 49ers’ signal caller.
George Kittle
Even at 31, Kittle remains arguably the NFL’s best tight end. He paced qualified tight ends in both PFF overall grade (92.1) and PFF receiving grade (92.4) while dropping a minuscule two passes and securing 70.6% of contested catches in 2024. Now with seven straight seasons of an 84.7-plus PFF overall grade under his belt, Kittle has just one year left on his contract and is poised to surpass Travis Kelce’s $17.125 average annual value.
Kittle’s value as a receiver is only one part of the story. As a blocker, it doubles the tight end’s value. John Lynch spoke openly about wanting Kittle to retire as a 49er, and one day, number 85 will be in the ring of honor. The offensive identity is personified by Kittle and others’ toughness and willingness to do any and everything for the team. Sign the extension and wrap this up with little conflict before training camp.
Both choices are easy for the 49ers in 2025. Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and Kittle’s contributions to the offense can’t be overstated. Let’s hope both extensions are done with the team looking to roll into offseason activities.