49ers Send Perfectly Clear Brock Purdy Message With New Contract

The $76 million deal heading George Kittle's way is an important line in the sand for the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has wanted a new deal since the start of the offseason. The former seventh-round franchise quarterback is 23-13 as a starter, and has had plenty of playoff success over his first three years.

The 49ers have sent a clear and honest message to their quarterback, though.

He isn't worth the big, big money.

Despite Purdy's success, the 49ers struggled to a 6-11 season last year that their starting quarterback couldn't rise above. San Fran entered the draft with over $38 million. If they wanted to get a deal done, they would have.

Now, they have even less.

San Francisco just locked up tight end George Kittle to a four-year deal worth $76 million. The $19.1 annual average continues to make him one of the highest paid players at his position.

Kittle sat out of voluntary workouts. Purdy did not. The fact that the 49ers rewarded the older player who did not actually show up to offseason workouts is staggering when the quarterback led by example.

In reality, though, it makes sense.

As good as Purdy has looked through his first three years, he hasn't looked like the kind of player you pay over $50 million for. Especially since his numbers are eerily similar to those of Jimmy Garopollo.

Those aren't the type of quarterbacks you pay. Those are the types you keep around as a bridge until you find the future franchise guy.

And the mere fact that the 49ers are willing to extend an aging tight end over their young quarterback shows they not only understand, but agree.