The San Francisco 49ers just sidestepped one major contractual problem.
And now?
They are hoping to do the same with an even bigger one.
Obviously, the Niners would love to avoid the quarterback drama that other teams have recently had to suffer through by not having their star extended in the final year of his deal.
And now along comes a major contract update – or, at least, the hint of one – as it regards the San Francisco signal-caller.
On Tuesday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke a monster story: The San Francisco have signed up one of the best tight end of this generation in George Kittle, giving him a four-year contract totaling $76.4 million, with $40 million of that guaranteed.
That thing started to head in the right direction in the middle of last week, when Kittle took a positive action and was “back in the building” for offseason conditioning despite not having a new contract yet with the team.
Purdy, meanwhile, has been working with the team in recent days … on the field and maybe off of it, too.
Rap Sheet’s hint at what’s next?
“A big-time priority in SF,” he tweets regarding Kittle, before turning the page. “Brock Purdy up next?”
That would be quite a bonanza for GM John Lynch to pull off in back-to-back big stories.
Kittle, 31, is coming off of a great year in 2024 where he finished with 1,106 receiving yards, which was the third highest mark amongst tight ends, and the 13th highest in the NFL.
Much of his success, of course, is tied to Purdy, who The Athletic said last week was making “some progress” toward a contract extension with San Francisco.
Purdy reported to the team facility for voluntary workouts, and that would indicate that the situation is at least cordial between the two sides.
General manager John Lynch said that things are “in a good direction” between the two sides and appreciated Purdy being in the building.
“We’re grateful for him and looking forward to having him as our QB a long time,” Lynch said.
Team owner Jed York recently said Purdy is a “top-10 quarterback” and they expect to pay him like one.
“I think he is,” York said. “I think he’s great. Especially when you combine him with Kyle and what we have, he’s a heck of a quarterback and we want him here for a long, long time.”
That can mean a Purdy deal of in excess of $50 million per year.
The 25-year-old has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 9,518 yards with 64 touchdowns to 27 interceptions across 40 games and 36 starts. … all numbers that have added up to almost-perennial contention for the 49ers during his time …
And they may add up to an “up-next” deal for Purdy.
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