In April 2021, the San Francisco 49ers made a bold move by trading up to select quarterback Trey Lance as the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. The plan was to build a dominant roster around a quarterback on a rookie contract, aiming for a Super Bowl championship. However, it was Brock Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 draft, who emerged as the team's starter in 2022, leading the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games.

Purdy's rookie contract, which paid him an average of $853,333 per season, has now ended. He recently signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history. This marks the end of the 49ers' strategy of having an inexpensive quarterback surrounded by an expensive roster.

With this new contract, the pressure is on Purdy to deliver results. The 49ers are betting big on him to return to his 2023 form and lead the team to success. Despite an offseason of significant roster changes, the 49ers have the easiest schedule in the league for the 2025 season, providing Purdy with an opportunity to prove his worth.

Key players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Brandon Aiyuk are expected to return from injuries, bolstering the team's offensive firepower. George Kittle, one of the league's premier tight ends, has also signed a contract extension, ensuring he remains a vital part of the offense.

Purdy's performance since taking over as the starter in Week 13 of 2022 has been impressive. He ranks fourth in QBR (70.2), third in passing yards (9,452), first in yards per attempt (8.9), and seventh in touchdown passes (64). However, his numbers dipped in 2024 due to injuries to key players and struggles in inclement weather.

The 49ers' management, including owner Jed York, general manager John Lynch, and coach Kyle Shanahan, have expressed their confidence in Purdy. They believe he can grow as a player and lead the team to new heights, even with a diminished supporting cast.

As the 49ers enter the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Brock Purdy to see if he can live up to his new contract and lead the team to its sixth Lombardi Trophy.