Drafted last overall in 2022, Purdy has been playing on a rookie deal, but Rice believes the quarterback will seek to be paid market value. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott tops the league with an average annual salary of $60 million—an amount Rice feels Purdy's team will target.
"The Dallas Cowboys, if they gave Dak Prescott $60 million, Brock is going to ask for probably the same amount," Rice said Monday morning on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game. "Plus, Brock also has taken the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl. Dak hasn't done that. So, it's just about the right time and being in the right position."
Rice emphasized that Purdy's development hinges on the 49ers maintaining a strong supporting cast around him—a task easier to accomplish with a quarterback on a rookie contract. That will no longer be the case.
"He can improve if you keep building around him," Rice said. "You got to give him the weapons, and these weapons, they got to produce."
The Hall of Famer also noted that surrounding Purdy with talent is crucial to ensuring the young quarterback is not pressured to carry the team by himself.
While Purdy is a part of a loaded roster this season, injuries have taken a toll on the 49ers, and his production has dipped compared to his record-setting 2023 campaign. This season, he has passed for 3,174 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 65% of his throws—solid but far from his performance last season.
"He hasn't had a Brock year," Rice admitted. "... It hasn't been a Brock year. Guys, I don't like making excuses. Everybody talking about, 'Well, there are so many injuries,' and stuff like that. I don't care about that. That doesn't mean anything to me. You still find a way to win. Everybody got excuses out there. ... Man, forget that. You're a team. You find a way to win no matter what. And I'm tired of hearing all of that."
The 49ers will wrap up their 2024 regular season with three critical matchups: this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, a home game against the Detroit Lions, and the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
'High level of confidence' 49ers TE George Kittle will play Week 1 vs. Rams
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle did a good deal of work on the side during Monday's practice, more than he has done at any point during training camp. It appeared Kittle could be getting closer to returning to practice, although nothing is official yet. Kittle... -
Why Kaelon Black believes the 49ers' offense can unlock his potential
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black recorded just 42 receiving yards during his two seasons at Indiana. However, he showcased his ability as a receiver during his two seasons at James Madison, where he totaled 431 receiving yards and six receiving... -
49ers training camp: Titans joint practice sparks fights; Defense, Brock Purdy shine
The San Francisco 49ers held their 11th full training camp practice on Tuesday as they continued preparations for the 2026 NFL season. The practice was a joint session with the Tennessee Titans, whom the 49ers will face in Thursday night's preseason opener. Head coach Kyle... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy share updates after 49ers-Titans joint practice
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters after Tuesday's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything they had to say. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Head Coach Kyle...