There's a lot of celebration coming thanks to the 49ers finally signing their quarterback long-term. But, what could this mean for the team paying some of its players moving forward?
Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The wait is finally over. The San Francisco 49ers have given their quarterback, [Brock Purdy](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4361741/brock-purdy), an extension. He's getting signed on for a [five-year, $265 million deal](https://ninernoise.com/brock-purdy-massive-payday-might-end-being-49ers-biggest-bargain).
And after the run Purdy has had since taking over as the starting quarterback, it's well-deserved.
However, as San Francisco celebrates finding its long-term answer at quarterback, there are plenty of other questions that come up, including, "Who else will be getting paid?" And, "Who will the team let walk?"
Let's take a look at the next two years to see how this deal could impact San Francisco's roster.
This season is a make-or-break for a lot of San Francisco's squad. Starting with the biggest name of note, wide receiver Jauan Jennings' contract is set to expire at the end of the year.
Jennings has been a steal since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent most of his career being a reliable option on third downs and making crucial plays. And last season was his best year after setting career-highs in every receiving category. Last year he caught 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns. Jennings could realistically be the prime candidate to getting an extension
As for a few other names, on the offensive line, Colton McKivitz's contract is set to expire later this year. One of the top things the 49ers can do for Purdy is not only giving him familiarity on the offensive line, but plenty of protection. McKivitz made some improvements in his game last season.
But will it be enough to get re-signed by the 49ers?
Next, there is the defensive line, and there are plenty of players for San Francisco's depth who could be moving. They include Yetur Gross-Matos, Jordan Elliott, and Kevin Givens, to name a few. That's 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss accounted for from last year. And if there's one thing defensive coordinator Robert Saleh loves, it's having plenty of guys on the defensive line.
Purdy's extension is a huge weight off of the 49ers' shoulders. But another big potential extension is looming over a fellow franchise cornerstone.
Linebacker Fred Warner's rookie extension is set to expire in 2026. And now, they'll need to figure out how to sign him on to likely end his career in San Francisco. Warner will turn 30 in 2026, but his game hasn't slowed down yet as the team's defensive leader. Last year, Warner earned another Pro Bowl nod, along with being named first-team All-Pro. Signing Warner long-term will likely be at the top of the agenda for the 49ers next offseason.
Next is the 49ers' biggest lingering question: What is the plan when left tackle Trent Williams retires? 2025 could be Williams' last year in the league after a Hall of Fame career. And his contract is already set to expire in 2026 with a potential out before next season starts. It's not likely Williams will be able to play when he turns 38 in 2026, so the 49ers may need to figure out what the next steps at the left tackle position. If he does retire, then that saves the Niners a little more than $38 million for the 2026 season.
Also on the offensive line is center Jake Brendel. Over the last two seasons, he has struggled in pass protection for Purdy. Although he has shown strengths in head coach Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme, it might not be enough to be retained.
Another familiar face on the offense is fullback Kyle Juszczyk who was controversially cut at the start of free agency. He would be re-signed five days later on a two-year, $7.5 million contract. It includes a potential out after the first year that would save the 49ers a little more than $2.6 million for the 2026 offseason. Which means there would need to be a new fullback once Juice turns 35.
There are also a string of rookie contracts set to expire from the 2023 NFL Draft class. The most likely to get their rookie deal extended is safety Ji'Ayir Brown. Despite a sophomore slump, he's shown great consistency in coverage, whether he's the single high safety or playing nickel corner.
Purdy's new extension could have bigger implications than the next two years. Especially with running back Christian McCaffrey's contract set to expire in 2027, and both wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive end Nick Bosa's deals expected to end in 2028.
There have already been plenty of changes that have occurred this offseason alone get this extension to happen.
As for now, the team has the answer at quarterback signed until the end of the decade. And for that, the window for a Super Bowl in many ways has been extended a little longer.
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