You’ve probably heard this story once or thousands of times over the past few seasons. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was Mr. Irreliant in the NFL Draft. Purdy, the final pick in the draft, isn’t at the top of the NFL’s salary scale. His contract is worth $3.737 million over four years. He earned a base salary of $870,000 last season. As you may have heard, Purdy splits his rent with his roommate and drives a Toyota. When the NFL announced performance-based bonuses on Monday, it was a pretty big deal for Purdy and several others at the bottom of the NFL payroll. Purdy earned more than $739,000 in the bonus program, about 85 percent more than his base salary last season. Purdy may be able to help with a little more rent this month.
Under the NFL’s performance-based compensation program, players with more playing time are paid less. Purdy started 16 games for the 49ers and did well enough to lead them to the NFC Championship. The exact amount Purdy received was $739,795. The leader of the bonus program is 2020 fourth-round pick John Simpson of the Baltimore Ravens, who received $974,613. Simpson started all 17 games for the Ravens and played in 99 percent of the team’s offense.
Purdy and other players on this top 25 list, including Dallas Cowboys cornerback and 2023 All-Pro Daron Brand, are expected to sign big new contracts soon. They could exaggerate their draft position and get more money in compensation while waiting for a second contract. That’s what NFL programs are about. Purdy will soon be making a lot of money. Purdy is completing his second NFL season and will be eligible for an extension after the third season. As a winning quarterback on a winning team, he will earn a contract that exceeds his current six-figure salary. By the time this deal closes, Purdy will have even more pocket money thanks to bonuses.
