While the NBA world was losing its mind as transactions flurried before the trade deadline, the NFL decided to inject something very noteworthy into the sports news cycle. The San Francisco 49ers agreed to an absolutely massive contract—the biggest one in NFL history—with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
The 49ers and QB Jimmy Garoppolo have agreed to a five-year, $137.5 million contract, source says. The biggest deal in NFL history on a average-per-year basis.
We had heard this may be coming.
As his former team plays today, QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the #49ers have gained momentum toward a lucrative long-term extension. Lots of progress https://t.co/ZDij0iFl8B
Garoppolo came to San Francisco in a midseason deal with the New England Patriots, and he put on a show after his arrival in the Bay Area. He led a reeling team to a dramatic turnaround, finishing the year with a 5-0 record as the starting signal-caller.
He also racked up 1,560 passing yards and seven touchdowns. His QB rating was 96.2.
Garoppolo had an undeniably impressive first year with the red and gold, but was it good enough to warrant such a gargantuan deal? That's what many debated in the wake of the contract's announcement.
@49ers will regret the contract given to @JimmyG_10. $27.5 mil/season for a guy who has not played a full one is TOO DAMN HIGH. #TimeWillTell #NFL #JimmyG #SanFrancisco49ers
In other news... why in the world was Jimmy Garoppolo paid $137.5 million. Are the 49ers that desperate ?
Call me crazy but I think this is a major overreach and overreaction paying that much to #JimmyGaroppolo! https://t.co/NB63v81nZQ
Jimmy Garoppolo rollin in cash rn pic.twitter.com/g8iRu0rnLD
One thing is for sure: this sets the market price for a franchise quarterback very high.
Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers and any QB who's about to be paid in the near future thank Jimmy Garoppolo.
