After a historic $265 million deal shook up the NFL quarterback landscape, Jared Goff’s contract placement is shifting.

In today’s NFL, any quarterback who reaches the level of a franchise leader by 2025 is almost guaranteed to receive a lucrative contract. Quality franchise quarterbacks are in short supply, and teams know their worth.

That’s why it wasn’t shocking when the San Francisco 49ers locked in Brock Purdy on Friday, May 16, with a huge five-year, $265 million contract, as reported by ESPN and NFL Network. Despite his “Mr. Irrelevant” label, the 49ers had to secure him long-term.

Now, how does that deal affect Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff? Goff signed a four-year, $212 million extension in the 2024 offseason, becoming both the Lions’ highest-paid player ever and the sixth-highest paid QB in the NFL based on annual salary. Here’s his current standing—and it’s surprising.

Purdy’s average annual value puts him even with Goff for the NFL’s 7th-highest quarterback salary. Both now earn $53 million each season.

The quarterbacks with higher yearly pay than Goff and Purdy are Dak Prescott (Cowboys, $60M), Joe Burrow (Bengals, $55M), Josh Allen (Bills, $55M), Jordan Love (Packers, $55M), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars, $55M), and Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins, $53.1M). And yes, it’s odd seeing Tagovailoa ahead of Goff—but stranger things have happened.

Purdy was entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025. During his time on the field, he led the 49ers to two playoff appearances in three seasons. He ended his rookie campaign with an injury and a loss in the NFC title game in 2023 but took the 49ers to the Super Bowl the following year. Lions fans won’t forget how Purdy and San Francisco beat Detroit in a shocking comeback to get there.

Since becoming the 49ers’ starter in 2022, Purdy has completed 67.5% of his passes, throwing for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. He also placed fourth in 2023 NFL MVP voting.

In a May 17 article about the Purdy contract, Patrick Holloway from Niners Nation wrote, “Purdy’s over $50 million is fair. He could have pushed for Dak or Lawrence-level pay but didn’t. Is he better? His track record might say so.”

Holloway continued, “If the 49ers stay healthy and give him weapons—plus a defense that can close games—Purdy has proven he can operate the offense well. That $2-$7 million saved might help build the O-line or keep receivers happy.”

One fan referenced Goff in response to Purdy’s new deal, saying, “Considering his rough 2024 and physical limitations, the contract is fair. Being paid ‘around Goff’ fits. If Brock improves, it’s a bargain. Now, will they ever build him a good O-line?”!