"Epitome of the Cinderella story": Trent Williams sees fairytale ending for Brock Purdy after QB’s five-year extension with 49ers

When Trent Williams, the San Francisco 49ers’ legendary left tackle, took the podium earlier this week, his usual charisma lit up the room — but it was the mention of Brock Purdy’s new contract that brought out a different kind of joy.

With a grin stretching ear to ear, Williams spoke with genuine pride about the quarterback’s journey from an overlooked draft pick to one of the NFL’s highest-paid players.

49ers’ Trent Williams believes Brock Purdy is just getting started

“For me, it’s just super, super fulfilling just to watch a guy like Brock,” Trent Williams shared. “You talk about a Cinderella story, I think this is the epitome of that. A guy going from making a few hundred thousand a year to making 50 million a year, it’s astronomical, and it couldn’t have happened to a better guy.”Purdy’s meteoric rise began in 2022 when he was selected with the final pick of the draft — No. 262 overall. Thrust into action in Week 13 after Jimmy Garoppolo's injury, the unassuming rookie guided the 49ers to a commanding 33-17 win over the Miami Dolphins. The following week, he was named the starter — and never looked back.

Since then, Purdy has carried San Francisco to back-to-back NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance.

Despite a rocky 2024 season, where the team stumbled to a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs, confidence in Purdy hasn’t wavered inside the 49ers’ locker room. Both head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have stood firmly behind him — and Williams is no different.“He is the guy for this team,” Williams declared. “He is the guy for this franchise. This is just the tip of the iceberg. He is going to get another contract, he’s going to win a lot of football games.

He’s that good of a player. Super, super happy to see that for him. I love him like a brother, so I couldn’t be any happier.”This offseason, Purdy signed a five-year, $265 million extension, securing his place with the 49ers through the 2030 season. Although initial negotiations were rocky — with Purdy reportedly seeking $65 million per year — the final agreement landed at $53 million annually, including $182.55 million in guarantees.

It's a significant bet on a quarterback who still has plenty to prove, especially after a step back statistically in 2024 (3,864 yards, 20 TDs, 12 INTs).Purdy now faces the challenge of leading a restructured team, with several key departures in free agency. However, he can rest easy knowing his blindside remains secure. Williams, now 37 and still playing at an elite level, has no plans to retire. He’s under contract through 2026 after signing a three-year, $82.66 million extension and has expressed interest in playing into his 40s.As the 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, both Purdy and Williams enter with full health and high hopes. And if Williams' smile is any indication, the team’s belief in their quarterback is stronger than ever.Also Read: "She makes everything easier": Josh Allen’s romantic line after marrying Hailee Steinfeld proves he’s winning both on and off the field