Even though he hasn’t thrown a pass for the New England Patriots this season, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is cashing in on his former team’s run to Super Bowl LII. The league’s latest collective bargaining agreement gives NFL players bonus money when their teams play in conference championship games and Super Bowls. The CBA also dictates that those active for at least eight games for those same teams are entitled to the same bonus money. Garoppolo was active for eight games as Tom Brady’s backup before he was traded to the 49ers for a 2018 second-round pick.
Garoppolo already received $51,000 after the Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. The amount was the same as what Brady received. If the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on February 4, Garoppolo will receive $112,000 and $56,000 if they lose. Garoppolo stands to earn a bigger Super Bowl paycheck than Brady due to existing tax laws, according to Michael McCann and Robert Raiola of Sports Illustrated.
Garoppolo won't be subjected to tax
Unlike Brady, Garoppolo will not be travelling to Minnesota for the Super Bowl, thus he will not be subjected to the 9.85 percent state income tax. Brady, for his part, will spend several days in Minnesota heading into the Super Bowl, meaning he will be subjected to tax based on “duty days.” While Garoppolo plays for a pro sports team based in California, which has a 13.3 percent income tax, the former Patriots backup quarterback lives in either Illinois or Massachusetts, where they collect lower income tax.
Garoppolo undefeated as 49ers starter
Since he was traded to the 49ers, Garoppolo played six games in the regular season, with five starts where he went undefeated to help the team finish with a 6-10 mark. In six games, Garoppolo completed 120-of-178 passes for 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions. Garoppolo was in the last year of his contract with the Patriots when he was traded to the 49ers, who have the option of placing a franchise tag on him or signing him to a long-term deal.
Per NFL.com, 49ers general manager John Lynch said one of their offseason priorities is to sign Garoppolo to a long-term deal, saying he’s the right guy for their quarterback position.
"Now, the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. We're working hard toward that,” said Lynch. The 49ers had Brian Hoyer and CJ Beathard as starters before they traded for Garoppolo before the deadline. The move paid dividends as Garoppolo showed flashes of brilliance in his five starts.
