Brock Purdy is paid relatively little primarily because his initial salary is dictated by his position as the very last selection in the NFL Draft.
Why Brock Purdy's Salary Is Low
Brock Purdy's modest salary, especially when compared to other starting NFL quarterbacks, stems directly from his draft status. As the 262nd and final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he earned the moniker "Mr. Irrelevant." The NFL operates on a rookie wage scale, a system where a player's initial contract value is largely predetermined by their draft position.
The NFL Rookie Wage Scale Explained
The National Football Football League's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) includes a structured rookie wage scale designed to control costs and provide a standardized framework for first-year players' contracts.
Key aspects of the rookie wage scale:
- Draft Slot Determination: A player's specific draft number dictates the approximate value, signing bonus, and base salaries of their initial four-year contract.
- Fixed-Term Deals: All drafted rookies sign four-year contracts, with first-round picks having a fifth-year option.
- Cost Control: This system prevents bidding wars for incoming talent and ensures that higher draft picks receive significantly larger contracts than lower ones.
Because Purdy was literally at the bottom of the draft pile, his initial contract reflected this minimal draft value, placing him on one of the lowest possible rookie salaries in the league.
Brock Purdy's Contract Details
His four-year contract is a reflection of his draft position, setting his earnings far below those of quarterbacks drafted in earlier rounds, despite his on-field success.
Here's a breakdown of the nature of his current contract:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2022 |
| Draft Position | 262nd Overall (Last Pick – "Mr. Irrelevant") |
| Contract Duration | 4 years |
| Contract Value | Set at the minimum rookie scale for the last draft pick, reflecting bottom-tier value. |
| Current Status | Still on his initial rookie contract. |
| Extension Eligibility | Eligible for a contract extension after his third NFL season (following the 2024 season). |
For more information on how rookie contracts are structured, you can explore detailed resources on NFL player contracts and salaries.
Future Earning Potential
While Purdy is currently paid significantly less than his performance might suggest, his success on the field puts him in a strong position for a substantial contract extension once he becomes eligible. After completing his third NFL season, he will be able to negotiate a new, much more lucrative deal that reflects his value as a starting quarterback in the league. Until then, he remains on the contract determined by his "Mr. Irrelevant" draft status.
