Brock Purdy spent about three months away from teammates during his first contract negotiation, with progress toward a deal but no agreement finalized. Purdy wondered whether to skip the offseason program amid the uncertainty. Kyle Shanahan, who generally avoids involvement in contract matters, called Purdy to reassure him that negotiations would not alter his standing with the team. Shanahan emphasized Purdy's role as the Niners' quarterback and the importance of reporting to the offseason program as a team leader. The phone call aimed to remove doubt and relieve pressure on Purdy.
In early April, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's phone rang. As he went to answer it, the caller ID read: Kyle Shanahan. Purdy had been away from his teammates and coaches for about three months, and this offseason had been different. He was going through his first contract negotiation, and by that point, Purdy's agent, Kyle Strongin, and the Niners had progressed toward a deal but nothing had been consummated.
Purdy couldn't help but wonder when the deal was going to get done and if he should consider skipping the offseason program. Shanahan, the 49ers coach since 2017, has generally avoided getting involved in contract matters unless absolutely necessary -- such as with deals for tackle Trent Williams and receiver Brandon Aiyuk last season. But in this case, Shanahan sensed the time away might have created some doubt in Purdy's mind on where he stood with the team. Shanahan's goal with this call was to let Purdy know he's still the Niners' guy and that reporting to the offseason program mattered as a leader of the team.
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