On one hand, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has to be thrilled at becoming one of the highest-paid players in the NFL and the highest-paid player in Niners history.
On the other, he can be frustrated at the reality one of his closest (former) teammates is no longer with the organization.
Purdy discussed one of San Francisco's key offseason departures, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, whom the 49ers traded to the Washington Commanders after the 2019 second-round NFL Draft pick requested a trade earlier this offseason.
In an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, Purdy fully admitted it was difficult to watch Samuel for new pastures.
"It sucks, dude," Purdy said of Samuel's departure. "He’s my boy. I love Deebo."
Purdy explained how he and Samuel quickly connected back during the quarterback's rookie season in 2022, which played a vital role in the two developing a key chemistry.
"Day one, he’s always had my back and believed in me when I got in," Purdy continued. "I didn’t really know how the guys were going to take it when I did get thrown in. Jimmy [Garoppolo] went down, I was the last quarterback, and Deebo was nothing but just great to me, dude, building me up, and just giving me confidence. In games, we fed off each other’s energy and building each other up. It was awesome, and over the last couple of years, same thing. So, we created just a great relationship. He’s my brother."
Despite absorbing a dead cap hit of more than $31 million by trading Samuel, the Niners nevertheless saved actual cash, which unquestionably was used to extend Purdy to a contract worth up to $265 million.
So, on that front, Samuel departing ultimately did Purdy some good.
However, San Francisco's franchise-signal caller received a massive lesson on how teams within the NFL still have to operate like a business, which means cutting costs and budgeting funds, which inevitably lead to tough decisions.
Purdy doesn't have to like it. But it's reality.
