And so begins the national and regional obsession with the 49ers and the way much they’ll pay Brock Purdy to be their quarterback now and in the longer term.

There aren’t any playoffs or Super Bowl for the 49ers this yr. Their news cycle is as an alternative dominated by guesses about what number of zeros there ought to be at the top of a contract extension for the quarterback that fell into their lap in 2022.

Coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch and the owners have been here before on the subject of mega deals. The 49ers weren't afraid to pay the going rate after which some.

At their end-of-season press conference, Shanahan stated, “I intend for Brock to stay here the whole time,” and Lynch said, “We're interested in Brock staying here for a long, long time,” which at first glance looks as if one be strange technique to reduce the worth.

Purdy staked out his position that very same day, hoping to avoid drama and get a deal done in time to take part in the offseason program, but without saying he would participate without an extension. He will get his contract, eventually with an APY (average per yr) that’s between $40 and $60 million, which Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott receives because the highest-paid player within the NFL.

After a 6-11 season, the 49ers at the moment are looking back on three contracts which have up to now appeared like an exploding cigar:

– Last June, running back and NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey signed a two-year extension value $38 million, making him the highest-paid running back within the NFL. McCaffrey suffered from bilateral Achilles tendonitis and eventually a PCL strain. He played 4 games, carried 50 balls for 202 yards, caught 15 passes for 146 yards and didn’t rating a touchdown.

– On August 29, Brandon Aiyuk finally signed a four-year, $130 million contract extension after being unsure whether to be traded or remain a 49er. Aiyuk began slowly without training camp, tearing his ACL in Week 7 after catching 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns.

— On Sept. 3, holdout and Hall of Fame-bound left tackle Trent Williams signed a three-year, $82.6 million extension to maneuver him to the highest of his position group. Williams played 10 games, failing to perform at his usual level, before a deep bone bruise in his ankle forced him to the substitutes' bench.

The 28-year-old McCaffrey is more of a gray beard for his position, but his injuries are usually not believed to require surgery and he could bounce back. Aiyuk faces a protracted and arduous rehab that would limit his impact in 2025. Williams could possibly be pretty much as good as ever or suddenly show his age.

You could also add Deebo Samuel, who signed a three-year extension in 2022 value greater than $71 million, into the massive money mix. Samuel didn’t reach his 2021 numbers (77 receptions, 1,405 yards, 365 yards rushing and 14 total touchdowns). Samuel is 29 years old and his physically aggressive nature is taking its toll.

Samuel took a backseat within the receiving room to Jauan Jennings, whose two-year, $15.4 million extension was well definitely worth the investment.

Heading into the 2023 season, the 49ers made Nick Bosa the highest-paid defensive player within the NFL with a five-year, $34 million APR contract. Bosa made the Pro Bowl that season but struggled with oblique injuries, missed two games and had nine sacks – his fewest in an injury-free season since his rookie yr.

Bosa was excellent, but not great – and the 49ers are paying him to be great.

Javon Hargrave was the 2023 free agent prize on a four-year, $84 million contract, but will probably be released two years early after missing 14 games in 2024 with a torn triceps. That doesn't occur when a player meets expectations.

Charvarius Ward signed a three-year, $40.3 million contract with the 49ers in 2022 and was outstanding in his first two years before personal tragedy struck this yr with the death of his daughter. He will likely leave as a free agent because the 49ers have already prolonged Deommodore Lenoir to a five-year, $92 million extension.

Getting what you pay for within the NFL generally is a tricky business.

With that in mind, and after Purdy had some issues with late-game interceptions and was less effective without the expected supporting forged, the upcoming contract has change into a subject of national debate.

It's not that the 49ers didn't get what they expected within the case of longtime Pro Bowlers George Kittle and Fred Warner.

The late Bill Walsh believed it was higher to part with a player a yr too early reasonably than a yr too late. But if the 49ers wish to get back on their feet, they need Kittle and Warner on board, even when attrition begins to affect their performance.

In 2020, Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract that expires after the 2025 season. At 31 years old, Kittle continues to be a pacesetter at his position. The following offseason, Warner, now 28, signed a five-year contract extension value $95.2 million, and the investment has been well value it by way of performance and leadership.

However, since the 49ers adjusted their contracts for cap reasons, Warner's current cap hit is greater than $29 million, Kittle's is greater than $22 million. To accommodate Purdy and others, the 49ers are faced with considering extensions for each players, which might lower their roster but extend their commitment to players who will inevitably see a decline.

The 49ers left little doubt that Purdy is their man now and in the longer term and that he will probably be paid as such. If he gets a tough time, Purdy will go from being hailed because the NFL's best deal since arriving because the last pick of the NFL Draft to being at the highest of the list of “most overpaid players.”

To get back in the combination as a real championship contender, the 49ers just need to write down the check and cross their fingers that any big checks they've written lately show a greater return on their investment than they did in 2024 apparently.

If it doesn't work, no amount of effort on the earth will save the 49ers from further descent into oblivion.

SANTA CLARA – It's not that he threw at game speed, it's the sight of it Brock Purdy throws the ball Friday was encouraging during warmups before the 49ers headed out for a visit to Buffalo.

It was the primary time Purdy appeared within the presence of reporters since he was listed with a sore shoulder resulting from a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17.

Purdy was also listed as limited during a closed practice on Thursday.

In media breaks because the injury, Purdy has done footwork and handoffs but hasn't thrown the ball, other than a number of lobs to assistant coaches and support staff.

Those not on the sector throughout the temporary media window included left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), edge rusher Nick Bosa (oblique/hip), cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee), left guard Aaron Banks (concussion) and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (concussion).

Meanwhile, cornerback Charvarius Ward, who has missed the last three games following the death of his 23-month-old daughter, practiced and may very well be available for a game against Buffalo.

Coach Kyle Shanahan will provide a full injury report after practice before the team boards a charter flight to Buffalo.

Originally published: November 29, 2024 at 1:12 pm PST

SANTA CLARA – Brock Purdy took off his gray 49ers sweatshirt Friday and as he walked toward the locker room showers, his sore right shoulder was exposed.

There was no noticeable swelling or lump, other than minor scarring from treatment for the reason that once-subtle injury last Sunday. His muscular 24-year-old looked as strong as ever.

Appearances may be deceiving. The same goes for words in an NFL team's injury descriptions, an Instagram doctor's prognosis, or a reporter's feelings of déjà vu.

“I don't want to say there are any long-term concerns,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, referring to Purdy's MRI scan and suggesting the quarterback will miss Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Brandon Allen will start the spot. But for a way long?

It's sensible to exercise caution to guard a bona fide franchise quarterback who threw for a 49ers-record 4,280 yards last season with a surgically repaired elbow and is awaiting a 49ers-record contract extension on the likely bitter end of this season.

Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said Purdy's MRI on Monday didn’t reveal a serious, franchise-altering illness.

“We thought he just needed some rest and we really weren't worried about him being unwell this week,” Shanahan said. “But when he started on Thursday, (his shoulder) just surprised him, surprised us with how it felt.”

However, it's no surprise that a shoulder injury can grow to be a significant firestorm.

Currently, public proclamations minimize any long-term impacts.

Purdy wasn't made available to reporters, but as he walked through the locker room Friday, he tried to exude positivity, saying, “We're all doing well.” Even in a subsequent conversation with a staff member, his demeanor remained as upbeat and polite as ever.

Neither of Purdy's understudies, Allen and Josh Dobbs, have a history of shoulder injuries, so that they were hesitant to discuss how scary they need to be for a quarterback.

“I’m not too worried about it, I don’t think any of our guys are,” Allen said. “He will do rehab and come back as soon as possible. And as for the shoulders, it happens. I don’t think it will be something permanent or long-term for him.”

Three seasons ago, when the 49ers last visited Lambeau Field, Jimmy Garoppolo remained every week faraway from suffering a shoulder injury – a ruptured capsule, the 49ers said – in a wild-card playoff win at Dallas. Garoppolo played through the injury and the 49ers won without scoring an offensive touchdown.

Two months after losing within the NFC Championship Game, Garoppolo surprised the 49ers by choosing shoulder surgery, complicating a possible trade or release and keeping him on the roster. That made for an ungainly but vital comeback in 2022, serving as a helpful bridge between Trey Lance's cameo appearance in two appearances and Purdy's rise to the playoffs late within the season.

Go back nine years and there's one other dilemma with the 49ers quarterbacks. Colin Kaepernick was considered a probable player in Seattle, however the 49ers surprisingly placed him on injured reserve a day before kickoff. He headed for surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Three weeks before this IR move, Kaepernick was on the bench and spent the next offseason rehabbing for his final season with the 49ers and the NFL.

An even messier subplot developed with Kaepernick's predecessor, Alex Smith. In 2007, a feud erupted between Smith and third-year coach Mike Nolan, who publicly denied Smith's shoulder pain stemming from a September 30 breakup. Smith played a couple of games injured after which admitted he had excruciating pain in his shoulder after the 49ers took him off form with a forearm strain. Smith recovered and rebuilt his profession, albeit under different coaches.

Now Purdy is stepping down for an unknown period of time.

Allen recounted their Friday conversation: “He believes in me and says, 'You're here for a reason.' “Go in, step up, play well.” He’ll be back. So I’m not nervous about it.”

“He's fine. He’s in good spirits,” Dobbs added. “Obviously I don’t want to speak for him, but he wants to be out there. So he’s going to make every effort to get back out there and we’re going to hold it off for him until he gets back.”

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Brock Purdy is not any braggart.

But after Sunday's 30-13 win over the New England Patriots, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback said his 10-yard split coming out of faculty was faster than Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey.

“I do,” he emphasized. “You need to check my facts. I think I have just enough (speed) to get out of the pocket, make a play and gain five, seven yards here or there. I’m not Lamar Jackson at all.”

A more accurate statement could be that his time was comparable to his teammates. Purdy's 10-yard split of 1.55 seconds in 2022 was actually a couple of fractions of a second slower than Samuel (1.48) and McCaffrey (1.52) entering the draft.

Still, everyone understands his standpoint, especially his recent opponents.

For the second straight game, Purdy resorted to his legs when the passing game stalled. He gained 7 yards in the primary third of the 49ers' first possession. In the second, he scored one other five – and a primary down – in a drive that spanned 15 plays and ended with a 22-yard field goal by Jake Moody. There were also a couple of slick throws where Purdy looked like Fran Tarkenton, ducking out of trouble, scrambling to the sideline and making improbable passes before being hit. He finished 15 of 27 for 288 yards.

It was removed from an ideal game for Purdy. San Francisco had a likelihood to place the Patriots away for good early within the fourth quarter when Purdy's pass intended for Brandon Aiyuk in the long run zone was as an alternative intercepted by safety Jabrill Peppers. Kyle Shanahan said afterward that he thought Purdy must have thrown the pass earlier, while Purdy said he didn't see Peppers at first.

“It's something I have to push forward in my progress and not be greedy,” he said. “I think I reached out to him two or three times, which is just not good as a quarterback. You go through your progress based on your problems and read with your feet, and that’s when I got greedy.”

After 4 games, the passing game is not any longer as smooth and automatic because it was initially of last season, when the 49ers got off to a 5-0 start. For one thing, teams are focused on taking away Purdy's bread-and-butter throws, including the intermediate and deep cross routes to Aiyuk that were so reliable last season.

Last week, for instance, the Los Angeles Rams sometimes dropped eight players into coverage and only released three, leading to a play by which Purdy held the ball for greater than 12 seconds. Purdy noted that on one other play they dropped nine players and only passed two.

On Sunday, he said the Patriots' safeties did a very good job of anticipating and benefiting from the 49ers' favorite routes. But as the sport progressed, Purdy and the passing attack began to reap the benefits of those adjustments. As New England's safeties kept stepping forward and clogging up the center, he began to go deep. His three furthest throws:

• A 53-yarder excessive for Deebo Samuel Sr. within the third quarter. Samuel, who began the sport at tailback, had three catches for 58 yards after missing last week's game with a calf injury.

Deebo took us 55 yards.

#NEvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/u3vZTNGkcJ

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 29, 2024

• A forty five-yard strike to Jauan Jennings early within the fourth quarter. Jennings led the team in receiving yards for the second straight yr, ending the sport with three catches for 88 yards.

JJ is down there somewhere

#NEvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/aqUyQBiGov

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 29, 2024

• A 38-yard pass to Aiyuk on Purdy's first throw of the sport. Aiyuk finished with modest receiving numbers for the fourth straight game – two catches for 48 yards – but his second reception, a diving fingertip grab on third down, was the type of high-difficulty catch he didn't pull off earlier within the season.

Even one in all Purdy's shorter throws, a 12-yard touchdown to George Kittle within the second quarter, flew wide through the air.

This is our TE @gkittle46

#NEvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/2KnvF7QeFz

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 29, 2024

Kittle said the play called for him to run an out-and-up and that it ought to be done from further back, across the 40-yard line. He thought this particular play was “a little aggressive” so near the goal line.

“I didn’t really trust the play call,” he admitted afterwards. “Because that was something we originally called from further out. And after we made the decision from the 12-yard line, I had to ascertain with Brock again to be certain that we called the proper play. And I used to be like, 'Okay, man, just throw it.'”

Purdy did, putting the ball where only Kittle could catch it, and the 6-foot-2 tight end delivered the pass between three sub-6-foot Patriots defensive backs.

That touchdown gave the 49ers a 20-0 lead, and they led by at least two points the rest of the way.

Still, it was a muddy win against a Patriots team that lacked offensive talent and was plagued by injuries. The 49ers suffered a number of injuries of their own – including defensive starters Fred Warner (ankle) and Jordan Elliott (knee) – and had another costly special teams fumble, a third-quarter kick-return fumble by Isaac Guerendo that led to New England's only touchdown.

The 49ers continued to have problems within the red zone. They had six plays contained in the Patriots' 25-yard line on Sunday, but only two touchdowns, that of Kittle and a 4-yard run by Jordan Mason within the third quarter. Otherwise they were content with three Moody field goals and one interception. Last season, they led the league in red zone efficiency, scoring touchdowns 67 percent of the time.

“We have to clean that up, especially when we're playing very dominant teams that have really good offenses,” said Kittle, who seemed to understand the Patriots were a decidedly forgiving opponent before he caught himself. “Not to say the Patriots don’t do that, but our defense played very well against them.”

SANTA CLARA – You could feel the strain Sunday at Levi's Stadium when rookie Isaac Guerendo fouled the second-half kickoff and the New England Patriots quickly scored with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett to Austin Hooper.

A game wherein the 49ers had led 20-0 suddenly became 20-10, and it was hard to not think in regards to the previous week's collapse against the Los Angeles Rams, which was due partially to special teams errors .

The usual script was for quarterback Brock Purdy to revive order as he normally does – with a series of short, sure completions and a time-consuming drive that may put the Patriots back on their heels.

Instead, Purdy dropped back and dropped an ideal 53-yard arc into the arms of Deebo Samuel over Jonathan Jones.

Deebo took us 55 yards.

#NEvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/u3vZTNGkcJ

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 29, 2024

Three plays later, Jordan Mason scored on a 4-yard run, the 49ers led 27-10 and order was restored with an eventual 30-13 victory.

This was one other side of Purdy, who proves week after week that he’s probably the greatest quarterbacks within the NFL. Call this version “Bombs Away Brock,” as Purdy repeatedly attacked the Patriots downfield, completing 15 of 27 passes for 288 yards and a 12-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle.

That's a whopping 19.2 yards per completion, and so they weren't of the run-after-catch variety. Teams are aware that the 49ers attack from below with shallow crosses and the like, and have designed their defense to give you the option to defend against that.

“There were a couple plays in that game where their safeties were low and we had guys going deep with Deebo and JJ,” Purdy said. “We talked about it on the sidelines and let it rip, and I trust these guys to get through it, and they did. “It was nice to make contact on those deeper routes, get those on tape and provides us something Giving confidence as we move forward with the deep ball.”

In addition to the 53-yard pass to Purdy, there was a 45-yard strike to Jauan Jennings, 38 yards to Brandon Aiyuk and a 32-yard strike to Jennings. At least for a day, dink and dunk gave option to the vertical game. Purdy is greater than a yr faraway from internal elbow brace surgery, has worked diligently to strengthen his arm, and it's clear he has the strength he needs and more to tackle any route that’s required of him.

The 45-yard pass to Jennings to Marcus Jones was actually well defended, however the pass was beautiful and virtually not possible to defend.

If you take heed to coach Kyle Shanahan, nothing Purdy does surprises him. Purdy was his quarterback for 30 starts, including the postseason. He's learned that there's no play he can't call because Purdy isn't physically as much as the duty.

JJ is down there somewhere

#NEvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/aqUyQBiGov

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 29, 2024

“I think Brock has been good at the dropback game, the play-action game, bootlegs and stuff since his first game here,” Shanahan said. “Brock has been one of the most consistent players in the league since he started playing.”

Seeing Purdy throw accurate rainbows puts defenses in trouble. If he can win up top as easily as down and in addition attack in midfield, that makes the 49ers' passing game dangerous on every blade of grass.

“People are scheduling us and they're doing a good job of building pressure and taking away certain routes and it's a good opportunity for us to adjust and work on different things,” Purdy said. “Every team presents a different challenge. There were a lot of men this week and they did a good job of getting everything back in the middle of the field.”

Purdy's touchdown pass to Kittle hit three defenders on a route originally designed for the run from the 40-yard line. Kittle was skeptical but kept his feelings to himself.

“The play was him breaking out and going up,” Purdy said. “It was more of a third-down game, but we got the look down there. I saw him break out, I got hit, so I thought I just have to give my guy a chance. Just set it up for him. He made a great play – much better than the throw.”

This is our TE @gkittle46

#NEvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/2KnvF7QeFz

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 29, 2024

The deep punches are only a part of Purdy's growing skills. As he showed in last yr's playoffs, Purdy is recuperating at getting first downs together with his feet. He measured two perfect scrambles in the primary half – seven yards on third-and-3 and five yards on third-and-4 – to maintain a drive alive that was capped by a 26-yard field goal by Jake Moody for the lead led.

Last week, Purdy had 10 runs, and it's not like Shanahan is picking read option plays.

“I’m not going to pretend to throw and then run to make a play,” Purdy said. “It's not like that. I'm still a quarterback. I'm trying to go through my readings, meet my guys and move the chains. That's the position I play and I'm proud of it. . . . I feel like I have just the right amount of athleticism to make plays. I don't have to be a freak athlete. I know who I am.”

The 49ers now have a good time each time Purdy's abilities are disparaged in any way.

“He’s the best, man,” middle linebacker Fred Warner said. “I love the way he plays the game, the leader that he is. He doesn't say much, but he doesn't have to. He has such a humble approach and continues to get better in all phases of his game because he knows what it takes to win.”

It wasn't perfect. Purdy was too daring when Jabril Peppers intercepted a pass intended for Aiyuk late ultimately zone, a play for which he took full responsibility.

“I think I reached out to him two or three times, which is just not good as a quarterback,” Purdy said. “I got greedy and Jabril pulled a prank.”

Kittle and the 49ers will forgive the occasional mistake since it shows the trust Purdy has in his receivers.

“The deep ball he threw to Jauan just gave us confidence to go out and make plays,” Kittle said. “We have a lot of talented players, a lot of guys who can catch a football. We have a lot of people he just trusts.”

Originally published: September 29, 2024 at 6:43 p.m

The faithful are also foodies, so yearly Levi's Stadium and its hospitality partner Levy go to great lengths to offer delicious culinary experiences for loyal Niner fans.

New vendors for the 2024-25 season, which begins with the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets, include two family-owned restaurants with long Bay Area histories and an all-halal Middle Eastern menu. Fans also can look ahead to a brand new craft beer from an area chef-brewery partnership; a creative latest menu from the stadium's executive chef Alvin Kabiling; and later within the season, a brand new pizza based on one in every of quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite dishes.

In introducing the brand new lineup, Nick Wolfe, vp of hospitality and retail for the 49ers and Levi's Stadium, said he was excited concerning the opportunity to “reinvent and reimagine” the fan experience each season — and showcase local partners in the method.

Here's a range. Keep checking back as we'll be adding more returning favorites and details as chefs finalize their menus:

NEW PROVIDERS THIS SEASON

Toto's Pizzeria: This San Bruno and Belmont classic, which has been around since 1932, will make its debut on the stadium. Several generations of the Spadarella family will bake and serve single-serving Neapolitan pizzas with pepperoni and cheese, in addition to cannoli (created from an old family recipe, in fact).

Berkeley by IB: This family-run business has been feeding Berkeley students and football fans since 1991. In their first foray into the South, co-owners Fuad Baba and Michael Dughman—the latest generation to run the business—serve up IB's Original Cheesesteak and their popular Honey Garlic Wings.

Kebab cart: Husband and wife Ghezal and Yasir Wesa, owners of this cable car-style food truck and catering business, present an all-halal menu of Afghan fusion street food, including falafel, wraps and hummus plates. The Contra Costa County-based couple founded the San Francisco-based business in 2013.

Crumbs: It was because of Wolfe's wife that these large, decadent cookies were added to the stadium menu. Crumbl will offer five flavors on a rotating basis – and no less than one in every of them shall be chocolate.

RECURRING FAVORITES

Tony G’s Slice House: Tony Gemignani, the Bay Area's world pizza master, discovered QB Purdy's love of cheeseburgers and decided to create a brand new pizza with that theme. The beef pizza is topped with white cheddar cheese, mozzarella, peppers and applewood smoked bacon, and finished with green onions, peppadews, Romano cheese, oregano and a drizzle of barbecue sauce and garlic oil. (The Purdy Pie won't debut on Monday Night Football, but perhaps at the subsequent home game.)

Chef Rodney Baca’s shop: This San Jose chef shall be making his signature pastrami sandwiches with house-cured meats, coleslaw with maple aioli, pineapple molasses mustard and house-made pickles, together with the East Side Burger, inspired by his wife Maddie's San Jose heritage. It's topped with candied bacon, red relish, jalapenos and cheese. New from Baca is an IPA, Apricot Summer Orchard, a collaboration with Hapa's Brewing.

Starbird: These folks began the local fried chicken trend in Sunnyvale in 2014 after which expanded it throughout the Bay Area. This season, they're serving crispy chicken fillets with two house-made sauces and seasoned fries, each cooked in non-GMO rice bran oil

Originally published: September 6, 2024 at 16:20